Lesson #46: Words, aspirations, and commensurate action(s)

Hey folks, it’s official, Spring is here! Even though those of us Calgary woke up to a 3 cm of snow earlier this week, it’s already one week into Spring. That means, it’s almost 13 weeks since the year started. Can you believe it? Most folks started the new year with lofty goals and ambitious plans. Erm…I am not here to put you under pressure about your 2023 goals and how your new year resolutions, if you have one, have fared. Instead, I hope to remind you of something powerful that we all know too well but we rarely take seriously.?

It's called action. About 7 years ago, my friend and mentor, Prof Lehana Thabane, PhD , shared a powerful truth about priority setting with me that I cannot forget . It’s hard to recount word for word how he said it, but I will try to paraphrase it here:

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“Many folks are quick to say that family is the most important aspect of their lives, but their actions and choices don’t align with their proclamations. When we say family is important, that means it is the most important thing. If you are meeting with your Department Chair or Faculty Dean and your partner calls you on your cell, will you pick up the call or will you just send an autoreply that you will call back? If you choose the latter, are you sure the situation is not an emergency situation where your partner needs you right away? You see, often times we tell ourselves that family, wellness, relationships are our priorities but our actions often betray our words. We must mean what we say and say what we mean.”?

Here is the lesson: Our words and goals are empty without the corresponding actions. It’s not enough to talk big, we must back up our words and those lofty goals with the commensurate actions.?

When I think about wellness, a topic that has dominated my writing in the past year, I also ask myself if wellness is a priority for me. Here are a few questions (definitely not an exhaustive list) that popped up in my reflection about my wellness goals. You may find them helpful too.?

? Do I have clearly defined wellness goals??

? How important is my wellness in the grand scheme things?

? Am I taking commensurate action towards my wellness goals everyday??

? When last did I visualize my desired end?

? How well am I allocating my time towards the “commensurate actions”?

? Am I trying to do so much than I have capacity for?

? In what ways am I keeping up with joneses at the detriment of my wellness??

? In what ways can I free up more time to devote to my wellness goals?

? How is the quality and duration of my sleep?

? How about diet? Am I eating right?

? Exercise routine: How far? How well? How often??

? Doctor’s visit? How about annual physical exam and regular check-ups?

? How about my mental health?

? What things do I need to give up to keep up with my wellness goals?

To be candid, the first quarter of 2023 is almost gone but there is a new opportunity to start afresh today. As we head towards a new quarter, remember to go beyond mere words and aspirations. Back up those goals with real actions, even if they are baby steps. You can do it!

(c)ToluSajobi2023

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