Pause with Purpose: Make Time for YOU

It can be overwhelming to keep up with daily life: calendars, events, important people, work commitments. It is not uncommon to put the needs of others in front of our own. We reach the end of another busy day and wonder, “What happened, did I take a moment and breathe?” So when was the last time you really checked in with…you? For many, time to purposefully pause and reflect is scarce. Yet, this practice can be exactly what we need to re-ground in the present and refocus on what's most important – like all those family and friends. 

In these times of great uncertainty and chaos we can feel destabilized, anxious, and uneasy. This lack of clarity and imbalance can make important decisions challenging as critical thinking suffers. It may not clear your chaotic calendar, but a brief pause for self-reflection could help you tackle a stressful day with renewed focus and energy. Research shows that gratitude for the positive things you have in life, big and small, enables you to be more resilient, manage stress and boosts you sense of well-being.

As you round out 2020, take a moment to put YOU first. Create space for a purposeful pause and consider asking yourself the four questions below. Be prepared to possibly validate you are right where you want to be or find inspiration about where you want to go next. At the very least, it will allow you to feel an abundance of gratitude and give you the power (or kick in the pants…) to make progress and move forward.

1.     What have you been told you're great at?

There are likely a few things that come easily to you, or perhaps after putting in some hard work others took note and pointed out you’re amazing at "that one thing." In a time where very few things are certain, it can be powerful to list out the things that make you stand out. Consider these things your "super powers."

2.     What activities give you the most energy?

Warning: this list could look very different from the one above. Just because it gives you energy, doesn't mean you could host a Master Class on it. Bottom line, this is the list of activities that truly (pardon the cliché), get you out of bed in the morning. So today, whether you're content where you are or actively looking for a new challenge, take some time and lean into things that give you energy. 

 3.     What are your non-negotiables?

Hold tight, things are about to get deep. Okay, not really, but wise builders do build their homes on a solid foundation. Let your list of non-negotiables be your foundation (just go with the metaphor). This list may shift over time, unlike an actual building foundation, but it's critical that you name the things most important to you. It can take years, or even a specific moment to nail down (see, still building…) perspective here, but do yourself a favor: Be BOLD, be BRAVE and look for opportunities to honor your list versus always make excuses for them. 

 4.     What haven't you done (yet)? (Hint: it makes your nervous, but also gives you excited "butterflies”)

Lou Holtz once said, “In this world you're either growing or you're dying so get in motion and grow.” This last question is meant to challenge your status quo, encourage the dreamer that lives inside of you and remind you of your stretch goals. If you're lucky enough to find something that offers you equal parts butterflies and nerves, embrace it. Growth offers us opportunities to learn, to stay challenged and to prove (if only to ourselves) that we are capable of much more than we know. Challenge yourself to keep challenging yourself. 

Bottom line: life gets in the way if you allow it and over time it just happens- you forget to take care of you. You settle into “autopilot” and lose sight of your purpose. An American Journalist, Mignon McLaughlin states it simply, “Every day of our lives we are on the verge of making those slight changes that would make all of the difference.” 

So, make an appointment with yourself. Put it on your calendar. Start now.