Mindset - Gaining Traction in 2020
A new mindset.
I spent the first month of the economy shut down because of the pandemic full of self-pity and grief. I hated feeling like I was thrust into survival mode and so much was out of my control.
I spent the second month sorting out the trauma and digging deep into what could be in my control.
I had a LOT of negative narratives in my head as I was focused on all the canceled events, trips, disruptions to daily activities, and what felt like failing goals and dreams for my family and business.
On May 12, I changed my mind. I am posting now to encourage you to either change your mind or embolden you to grow through this experience.
Literally it all went the exact opposite direction for me in one day. I sat in my backyard and started to list all the possibilities and opportunities the new reality could bring me.
I looked ahead and saw I had 6 months to a year of really only interacting with my family and a few select friends in person.
There would be no travel, so business success would be won sitting at my desk day after day.
This becomes the ultimate chance to reset all my own daily routines and do some hard work on myself.
I have thought in the past that I could get into the best shape of my life mentally and physically and achieve so much more if I had a less overwhelming amount of commitments. Suddenly, I realized this pandemic creates that situation (or as close to it as I will ever get). I switched my mindset that day.
This is the chance to design my life.
I needed a solid foundation to work through this further. At the time, I listed 4 daily habits for a morning ritual and why taking action on them would align with the my own identity. I started with the Atomic Habit (https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits) which would force me to show up every day.
The 4 daily habits:
- Express gratitude - I review our pictures from the same day in past years and share one with my wife with a note of why I am thankful.
- Meditate - https://www.headspace.com/
- Listen and Learn - Read or listen to a book, I mostly use https://www.audible.com/
- Physically engage - lifting and cardio - I started with how I would make it obvious, attractive, easy and satisfying. I then committed to show up and do something every day.
Today marks 11 weeks and I have shown up and done these 4 every single day. It is absolutely creating the space to achieve so much more.
Client Services Manager/Client Operations Manager L&E Research
4 年"This is the chance to design my life." - This is so true.
Japan Age-Tech | Caregiver-Friendly Workplaces | 2X Author | Advisory Board Member | Global Caregiving Crisis Expert
4 年I couldn't agree more, Colson; for me meditation is playing a huge role in maintaining a positive vibe. And I have instituted a daily "Joy Journaling" practice (involves much gratitude expressing) which keeps me from grabbing my iPhone the minute I wake up. Nirvanic!
Building ResTech and research operation services to help you build a better business, a team or a service
4 年Appreciate the encouragement and tips during these difficult and unusual times we are experiencing.
Really great advice Colson!
This is wonderful Colson. You're going through all these personal challenges yet still find time to help out friends. That's a true testament to the type of person you are.