And yet… A crazy world is certain to get crazier. The industrial economy is fading, and steady jobs with it. The financial markets will inevitably get more volatile. The Earth is warming, ever faster, and the rate and commercial impact of natural disasters around the world is on an exponential growth curve.
Hence the need for resilience, for the ability to survive and thrive in the face of change.
“How did I get here?”, “What happened?”, “Who moved my cheese?” “What’s next?”
You might have asked yourself one of these questions or something close to it over the last two years. We all have! Something strange is going on around us and it feels very different. We’ve been in career transitions before and we’ve landed before and maybe we’ve even been through it a couple of times over the last 20 years but, something has radically changed and we’re not feeling very comfortable at all.
6 Simple Rituals To Reach Your Potential Every Day
This past weekend I had the opportunity to speak with my friend Mike Del Ponte, who resembles the character of Joe. Today he launches a Kickstarter campaign for his company Soma, which aims to revolutionize the water industry using sustainable design. (It’s awesome. Check it out.) Surprised by how cool, calm, and collected Mike was so close to launch, I asked him what his secret is.
“Every day I need physical energy, mental clarity, and emotional balance to tackle everything that comes my way,” Mike said. “Self-care is the secret to performing at the highest level.”
Here are the six simple rituals he uses to perform at his highest, which you too can begin implementing right away:
1. Drink a glass of water when you wake up. Your body loses water while you sleep, so you’re naturally dehydrated in the morning. A glass of water when you wake helps start your day fresh. When do you drink your first glass of water each day?
2. Define your top 3. Every morning Mike asks himself, “What are the top three most important tasks that I will complete today?” He prioritizes his day accordingly and doesn’t sleep until the Top 3 are complete. What’s your “Top 3” today?
3. The 50/10 Rule. Solo-task and do more faster by working in 50/10 increments. Use a timer to work for 50 minutes on only one important task with 10 minute breaks in between. Mike spends his 10 minutes getting away from his desk, going outside, calling friends, meditating, or grabbing a glass of water. What’s your most important task for the next 50 minutes?
4. Move and sweat daily. Regular movement keeps us healthy and alert. It boosts energy and mood, and relieves stress. Most mornings you’ll find Mike in a CrossFit or a yoga class. How will you sweat today?
5. Express gratitude. Gratitude fosters happiness, which is why Mike keeps a gratitude journal. Every morning, he writes out at least five things he’s thankful for. In times of stress, he’ll pause and reflect on 10 things he’s grateful for. What are you grateful for today?
6. Reflect daily. Bring closure to your day through 10 minutes of reflection. Mike asks himself, “What went well?” and “What needs improvement?” So… what went well today? How can you do more of it?
Do you have any other tips or practices?
During my executive coaching sessions over the past years with clients that are trying to get a “better handle” on their career direction or lack thereof, I frequently share with them a bus metaphor to help them visualize what might be going on in their “career world” as a way of assessing some of the real challenges they’re facing in moving forward.
The Career Revival Tour's Last Stop -
Hello and Happy New Year!
Take a look and listen to the last tour stop in 2012.
Get some needed insights about the technology of a job search from Kirk Hallowell, author of “The Million Dollar Race”….An Insider’s Guide to Winning Your Dream Job!
“I’m not finished.”
Only you get to decide when your life’s work is done.
Jessica Hagy, Forbes
“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” — Steve Jobs
(Source: moneyisnotimportant)
Have you ever asked yourself, “How the hell did I fall into this career rut”? If you haven’t, you will. If you have, relax, you’re not alone. You’ve got plenty of company!
You see, the very fact that you recognize you’re in a career rut means you’re actually getting ready for a change……….maybe, a real change!
Start out your mental journey with another question, “How do I begin to climb out of this career rut?” Your desire to do something about it changes your attitude and attitude has everything to do with your happiness and success (however you define it). So, even if you’re feeling worn out, determine to do something about it, use that energy to take the first step in turning things around.
You know it won’t be easy and like kicking any habit, there is always pitfalls and backsliding. But, you need to keep searching for a way out. You can’t give up! You can’t settle! You’re too good for that and you know it!
Simply put, we ALL have to decide whether we picture ourselves as a VICTIM of our past choices or as a CAPTAIN of our future! You’ve got to choose, you’ve got to commit, you’ve got to take this first step!
And you know, you can do it…………………..