The Discipline of the Reset

Today, I'm writing about something I probably should have mastered moons ago. However, it seems that some truths will not present themselves until what's around you looks and feels all-consuming. You know the phone call that didn't go as planned, the loss of a loved one, the grief of that disappointment and the battle for peace of mind? Yes, those consuming things. As leaders, as people of faith, we are not absolved of all of the things happening all at once just because we believe. So when we have those moments, those days, or circumstances that throw us into an unexpected frenzy, we must know how to live forward in a way that keeps us well and conditioned for greatness for ourselves and those we serve.

So, what took me too many challenging moments to realize I need to prioritize? The Discipline of the Reset. We know that discipline is about governing one's behavior and resetting, which, as a verb, means to set again or differently. It took a moment standing in my living area when nothing was going to plan to have the lightbulb go off that I had a choice to set my mind, thoughts, and subsequent decisions differently. I didn't have to wait for a new feeling to come along to shift my mood.

It's incredible how easy it is for us to accept the defeat of a challenging moment or set of circumstances and put down our power to reset. My reset in my living room looked like I was choosing to restart my afternoon as if I was getting ready on the morning of a new day. That's what the moment required for me and allowed, given my time. I am well aware that this type of reset is only sometimes possible, but I will share some practical things you can implement in your daily living.

Now, you might wonder why I need to be disciplined about resetting myself. Well, you do not live in a bubble, and your lack of awareness and discipline in this area is likely spreading unidentified messages to those in your sphere of care and influence you never intended to impact—things like agitation, poor communication, confusion, or worse yet, stinkin' thinkin'. I am not saying we should NOT be human, feel hard things, and be vulnerable when times are tough. What I am saying is that we must be so keen on the internal experiences that we learn to govern our behavior, which leads to the betterment of our well-being. Neither you nor those around you benefit from being trapped by a thought or feeling that washes out the best of you.

Not so many weeks ago, in my humanity, I felt I needed to apologize to a dear friend who was only presenting themselves as support. In my frustration, I was being negative and not so thoughtful. However, this came after I decided to reset. It brought a necessary level of clarity.

Sometimes, the action you take to begin again or set your day differently may call for multiple applications. You may not have time to start your day over again as if it were the weekend, and that's okay. Awareness of the need, intentionality, and discipline over time are what you're aiming for.

You can apply any of the following practices to help you begin again.

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Be Still

Find a quiet place to tune everything out and pray a prayer for regulation and a sound mind.

Move

Go for a 10 to 15-minute gratitude walk and get out of the setting you’re in.

Complete a guided workout session on YouTube.

Breathe

?Go to your vehicle or shut your office door and do some deep belly breathing.

Write

Grab a sheet of paper or go to the list section of your phone and write out everything looming over your mind.

Grab a sheet of paper and write out the words that describe the way you feel, "tired, overwhelmed, concerned, frustrated, nervous, apathetic, sick," and then pray.

Rest

Take a power nap, you’d be amazed what isn’t so heavy after you’ve rested

Read

Read scripture based on what you might be feeling.

Eat

Find a private space, eat something nutritious, and drink a cup of water.????? ?

Communicate

Text or call an available confidante and describe to them the emotions you’re experiencing ?based on your circumstances.

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There are many ways to reset, and as leaders at work, home, and community, it is necessary that we prioritize being well. There is so much going on in our cities, towns, and world that I do not believe we can afford to live a life that lacks the discipline to master our well-being. Our mind, body, soul, and spirit are all connected, and we are connected to one another. Let's take care of ourselves so we can care for each other.?

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields?the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11