Lately I’ve been living my life based on what’s written in my calendar. What’s the next deadline? Flight? Meeting?
My stacked schedule is self-inflicted (and I do love being on the go) but I’m finding I am more tired and cranky, less energetic and excited. Which frustrates me. I like to push myself to the limit, grow business, make new connections, be everywhere, attend every function, live life out of a suitcase, and eat granola off the front seat of my car as I drive the open road… It’s what makes me, me. What I don’t want, is to spend the rest of my life thinking “I just need to make it through the next week”. I don’t want to wish my life or time away.
I know I’m just not wired to “take it slow” or “cut back”, and if anything I’ll probably get busier. Having goals, bustin’ my ass to hit them, and rushing all over the state to celebrate family and friends is what makes me tick, so what do I do? I’ve realized success lies in my mindset, recognition, and rest days.
90% of our lives is our choice – we control our mindset, outlook, and happiness. I want to look at my calendar and get excited. Think of every commitment as an opportunity, not with a cringe. I need to consciously shift my thinking when I go down a negative path. I love the suggestion to stop yourself when you’re in a negative thought, and instead think of two things you’re thankful for, or two other positive thoughts. When I’m feeling busy and complaining about it, instead think: how lucky am I? How lucky am I to be doing what I love? Gratitude holds amazing power.
It also leads me do some painful self reflection, do I outwardly complain about being so busy to make myself feel more important? Yikes. I encourage us all to reflect on why we complain. What’s our purpose? What do we plan on getting out of it?
The second leg of my solution is to be better about recognizing when I need a break. I love running myself tired, but at some point need to realize when it’s counterproductive. A rest or a break doesn’t have to be a day off, but taking 30 minutes to read my book or having time to enjoy my cup of coffee in the morning, all help me recharge. You can’t keep giving to others if you’re empty yourself. I need to be self-aware when I need rest, and make a point to weave these little pockets of peace in. Life’s a marathon, not a sprint…
Lastly, learning to actually take the little rests. It’s hard to accept downtime without feeling like I’m a failure, being lazy, or wasting time. But, cue positive mindset, no one can be on 100% of the time. Everyone needs a break, and oftentimes I’m even more productive after some rest. Enjoy the moment, embrace the moment! Whether it’s closing a deal, or walking the dog. All are important components of the big picture.
(Trying) to practice what I preach, but realistically more by accident than design, I spent some time recharging this weekend. I got to visit with family, go for a quick ride in the redwoods, and play with my new camera. I’m still tired and certainly looking forward to the end of next week, but feel more prepared to tackle this week because of my “me” time this weekend. I also know I’ve got a positive attitude, some gym time, and a couple treat-me coffee mornings for backup.
Retraining my brain to find the happy and elevate my feelings of gratitude will always require a conscience effort. But if it helps me enjoy life in its entirety, not hurry it by, then worth it. I hope you join me in making this decision to be happy, grateful, positive, enjoy all of life’s moments, and be true to who you are. Take time to reflect on what makes you tick. How are you wired? What are your weaknesses? How are you going to manage those? Spend some time on you. Set yourself up for success.
Happy Sunday, here’s to an excellent week.
Beer in a Martini World 