Well-being and well doing
If you’re reading this, inhale deeply and exhale. You made it!
It’s the top of the year and many of us are reflecting on what was, and setting our sights on what’s next. While I am very aware that life does not go according to plan, that truth has only been reinforced these past few years. I think 2020 has led me to look at resolutions (and everything, frankly) in a new way. With that, here are five ways to approach this year (quarter, month, week, day) with a mind toward productivity as well as peace:
Embrace a growth mindset. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on the goal or the outcome (fixed mindset). But those who lean in this direction have a harder time taking risks, tend to fear failure, and give up more easily when obstacles arise. Instead, a growth mindset focuses on learning and improvement. Challenges represent opportunities to grow and uncover possibility. Those with a growth mindset appreciate new things, even difficult things, recognizing their effort and attitude can make a huge difference.
Reframe your goals as intentions. As much as we don't like to admit it, much of life and how things work out is out of our control (Proverbs `19:21). We can however control those inward elements that contribute to the external outcomes: our thoughts, attitudes, decisions, motivations, values, and beliefs. Reframing our goals as intentions helps us “achieve” in the present moment, and they keep us motivated and moving forward. Regardless of the outcome, intentions ensure we will be better for it.
Expect setbacks. We are often unprepared when things don't go the way we planned. I used to think that was a consequence of optimism; but really, it’s the result of having unrealistic expectation. Challenge and obstacles are a mainstay, particularly when attempting something new. What do you tell yourself when you're faced with a hill (or valley)? How do you respond? Building resilience is a critical key to success, and thankfully it can be learned. It’s much easier to be ready than have to get ready.
Redefine success. We live in a culture that stirs us up to do more, have more, go further, and aim higher. Our goals (those external outcomes) get us out of bed every morning, but they also keep us up at night. Crazy thing is, scripture and science tell us these external things don’t actually bring us the fulfillment or lasting satisfaction we believe they will. Let me suggest we focus on being, as much as we focus on doing. Well-being will help us in turn to do well.
Live in alignment. The value of values cannot be overstated. They help us make decisions, take action, and move toward the future we hope to experience. Once we are clear on our values, the next step is to live by them. If we don’t, we are bound to experience inner turmoil, i.e., dissatisfaction, discontentment, agitation, and so on. It takes courage and faith to stay true to yourself, but the more you live with integrity, the easier it gets (and the better it feels).
To survive let alone thrive, particularly in this season, we must be intentional about cultivating the types of mental habits that allow us to work and live more fully. One more for the road: gratitude. As you look ahead, make sure you remember how far you’ve come and what you're grateful for today.
Here's to a new year!
