I just spent a week relaxing (and being sick with the flu) in the Norwegian Fjords, which lifted my spirits. It's wonderful what spending time with friends and family can do. While reading a book on the sofa under a warm blanket by the fireplace, I looked around and realized I was in the most positive and calming environment.?
Then it dawned on me: I was so peaceful, joyous, and chill because I was here. Of course, the fact that I wasn't working helped, but even without working, had I been in a different environment, I would probably not have felt the same.?
This is what I want to talk about today: our environment shapes our life.
- We are shaped by the people we spend the most time with. This means that choosing the right people to surround yourself with is paramount. Aim for people who will uplift you, make you think differently, and challenge you.?
- The environment that you work in impacts the quality you deliver. Your work environment helps define your attitude, motivation, and productivity, whether it's a great office with natural light, an overflowing desk, inspiring wall art, or a noisy cubicle in an old building. Make sure that the environment you choose to work in is healthy and comfortable.
- The environment that you live in matters. If you are surrounded by clutter, screaming walls, or noisy neighbors, this will all impact how you feel, think, and ultimately make decisions. Those decisions become your life, so within what's possible for you, try to make your environment calming and peaceful, which will help you stay focused on your goals.
- The places you choose to go and what you do can influence your well-being, both good and bad. Places that make you feel stressed or uncomfortable make you feel worse, while places that are calm, inspiring, and encouraging will help lift your spirits. It's essential to make sure that you take the time to go out, explore and experience new things in inspiring environments that can bring joy into your life.?
- Our habits are also shaped by the environments we exist in. What is readily available in your surroundings influences you more than you think, from the type of food you eat to the content you consume. That's why creating a clean, organized, and well-lit space that reinforces positive habits at home or work is essential.?
- And finally, our internal environment - how we speak to ourselves - shapes us. It's essential to take care of your inner self and practice positive self-talk to create an empowering environment within. The better you feel within; the more positive your life will be.?
Moving into a new year, I love to clear out the clutter from my life. One way to do this is by creating a positive environment and consciously paying attention to the things I am surrounded by. To make space for new things to emerge and room for my dreams.?
So I invite you to look around you. Which environment are you in right now? What can you do to create an environment that will help bring out your best self?
Wishing you much success and joy in 2023!
With curiosity and courage,
P.S.?If you want more insights on how our environments shape our lives, listen to this week's podcast episode!
