We're told on airplanes to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before our children. In other words, we can't take care of others if we don't first take care of ourselves.
I coach men and women who are determined to grow and be at their best - whether they are leading a team, running a small business, or leading a multi-million dollar company, they are coming to coaching to do things differently - with a decision that building excellence and a strong mind are no longer optional.
If you are interested in those goals too, I'm writing 3 key reminders for you.
A client shared recently that she is beginning her day by telling herself what she is grateful for, proud of, and excited about on her walks with her dog.
Great strategy for creating positive energy and avoiding running on empty. I love it, and I shared three (crazy simple, crazy good, and not so easy) key reminders with her which come from decades of helping clients get out of their own way, grow, and be at their best.
1. Keep it simple. Even self-care practices get complicated these days if we let them. There are thousands of ideas, hacks, programs, and unproven trends at our fingertips, and we can get caught having long to-do lists in this area too. No, thank you! We talked about simply being present, absorbing her surroundings - the trees, fresh air, and sounds of birds - to engender a feeling of gratitude. Trying to come up with a list of what you're grateful to tick the gratitude done box doesn't work well, removes you from the present moment, and can feel forced or stressful. Use presence - look around you right now.
2. Be consistent. Practice every day for at least a month, and see how it feels. Her practice is 3 things she's grateful for, 3 she's proud of, and 3 she's excited about. I'm more interested in the regular practice - if, on some days, you don't call up three, no worries. Doing it often is how you train your brain towards a new focus. By the way, the 21 days to build a habit has been debunked. Some newer research claims 63 days is the magic number. Bottom line, there isn't a ton of solid data backing any magic, so I stick with my idea - experiment daily for one month. See how you feel - trust your experience as much, or better yet more, than the guru online.
3. Be emotionally connected. We are emotional beings as evidenced by the fact that we are much better at remembering the people, places, events that have an emotional impact on us. If I take a walk, and truly feel a strong sense of gratitude for the clear, sunny day (or whatever comes to mind easily), it will be far more impactful than if I walk along trying to think of 2 more things that I feel (or think I should feel) grateful for. Put your hand on your heart while saying to yourself that you feel grateful, proud, or excited. Or, name feelings that you want to create more of and focus on, and sense those feelings in your body in order to be more emotionally connected. Do you feel alive, delighted, energized, inspired, filled up, refreshed, strong, satisfied, curious? Explore the many emotions you can connect with.
I'd be remiss if I didn't add... don't wait for the dreaded New Year's Resolutions. What if a goal was a place to come from, not get to? How can you start living it right now?
Keep it simple, be consistent, and feel connected.
If you want support on your journey towards greater impact and excellence while maintaining a healthy mind, reach out to have a conversation with me. Strengthening your self-leadership with excellent self-care always supports stronger leadership of others.