Creating Action through Your Routine
In my last article about Daily Routine Reflections in April, we started the discussion of ways to get back in sync after the “Invisible COVID Year”. These are ideas I have learned from my many different coaches and mentors. There is nothing new in this world. Just new ways of sharing and viewing. They are ideas to we can use to refresh fresh in the second half of 2021. They included spending time with positive people, taking the shot to win, and giving yourself credit and time to celebrate.
As a coach, my focus is often on the basics and fundamentals. What are the mental drills and actions we need to be executing as we prepare for the second half of 2021?
Here are ten more ideas that are not new but are reliable. Once again, just pick one or two and focus on those actions. Let’s start another new 90 days and make things happen for ourselves. I hope you are able to use a couple of these ideas to freshen and reestablish your routine.
1. Forgive others.
The saying goes: “A resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” {Carrie Fisher} Let go of that grudge. Let go of that resentment. Forgive others, and set yourself free. Resentments hold you back. They create frustration and anger and cloud your thoughts. Let them go by wishing only the best for those that wronged you. It works!
2. See the lesson in the challenge.
You have heard it since you were a kid. That your challenges and failures are your best learning experiences. Your challenges contain a message and show you where you need to grow. Talent often carried you through most other circumstances. When you are stuck or frustrated. Pause- Reflect- Plan- Learn. As you meet those challenges head-on, you will meet your fears and confront your weaknesses. This is how we grow.
3. Simplify your life.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, track what you do on a typical day or week. It will amaze you how much time is wasted. We do need to relax and enjoy ourselves. But there is a difference between relaxing time and numbing out. Take out those numbing activities of getting lost in email, scrolling aimlessly on TV, social media, or worse. That doesn’t mean we can never enjoy email, TV, or social media. Just limit ourselves and be aware of the difference. First, identify and then make the changes.
4. Value your happiness.
Happiness is what we strive for in our work and in our lives. We are so quick to give away the joy that we experience today because it is “not enough”. We think; Happiness is out there on the horizon. It is out there when we achieve the next goal. That next goal is never enough. Happiness is right here and now with the small and big things in our life today. Believe in this mantra: “I have achieved happiness in something today” and enjoy the day.
5. Work your Strengths.
Believe in yourself and keep working on improving your strengths. Work your strengths and your weaknesses will follow. Understand that other people are not responsible for your happiness, self-worth, and fulfillment – you are.
6. Breathe deeply.
Many of us are in such a rush we forget to breathe properly. Our body becomes tight and our energy becomes stale. Pause throughout the day to take a few deep breaths from your belly. How many articles have youread in the past 15 years about “Pause and Breathe”. Will this be the year that we can afford those 30 seconds to follow through?
7. Let go of the past.
When you continue to relive the past, you rob yourself of the peace and opportunity available to you today. The would of, could of, should of’s are only good if they are used as teachable moments or ways to learn. Practice gratitude for what you have now and your new path. It can lead to a happier more fulfilling life if you let it.
8. Never get Bored with the Basics.
Too often as we become more successful in our business we forget what got us there. Hard work and practice of the fundamentals were crucial to your success. The greatest athletes in the world practice keep working the basics every day to stay successful and get even better. Why not business people?
9. Listen to your gut and intuition.
Your heart is the key to your life purpose and your gut does its talking. It will provide you with wisdom and guidance that your thinking mind cannot comprehend. Believe your gut. Your intuition is the best parts of experience, your passion, and your thinking mind combined.
10. Create a vision for your life.
Get clear on your purpose and your why? What really drives you? When you lose your why you start wandering on your path and allow money to start being your North Star. It will work for a while, but if you stay there too long you can end up in the bramble. As we get older we get more fearful of creating that ‘big vision”. Create that vision, follow your dreams, and have no fear of failure or success. The journey is your success.
For more thoughts and ideas on creating a better life through routine, you may download your own copy of my E-Book, The Power of EVERYday Routine. Let’s get visible in 2021 with our routines!
