For a podcast interview I’m involved in I was asked what my ‘one thing’ was as the ultimate tip. What a challenge!
I reflected that we all respond to different things and ideas in different ways at different times as we face life’s opportunities and challenges and that there’s not “one thing”. When pushed though, I settled on the importance of how we connect with ourselves. From there life can be handled so much more simply. That inner struggle is what plays out in almost all the outer challenges we face.
In the absence of everything else, it is our right and goal to feel truly authentic (being ourselves), aligned (in what we are involved) and content (in how we show up).
It is when you drift from this that problems show up and life seems a struggle. Imposter syndrome; fear of missing out; overwhelm; doubts; bitterness and pointlessness. As you notice the glimmer of these states showing up or you experience any of them, look again at the ‘one thing’.
Many of the chapters in my books point to this, how you connect with you, as simply as you can. (especially “Upgrade Your Inner Critic”, “Judging Me” and “The Most Important Meeting” in “The “Keep It Simple” Book”).
Any work you undertake here will deliver benefit, in your impact and results, but most importantly in how you feel (about you). “Everything is Going To Be Okay” I am oft reminded, as the poster on my office wall proclaims.
Ask yourself right now, and pause to consider your response to the question “how much do you love and accept yourself, just as you are”?
Could you commit for the next few weeks to become a simple, curious, benevolent witness to what you are about and what you are up to?
The alternative, that many people adopt, largely unaware, is to be in a state of mild unworthiness. Full of judgement, which becomes pervasive, accentuating insecurity, emphasising the imposter, diminishing creativity and altering their risk-taking and growth.
The more you recognise this trance, the less control it will exert. Simply notice it. If you can name it in some way, it loses its power. Notice it, acknowledge it, and let it be there.
You can begin to work this through in your head, which will start the change. Consider journaling for a sustained time (e.g. 20 minutes, non-stop writing). Beyond this introspection, engage a coach or dialogue with a trusted, judgement-free partner. Nothing changes, until something changes.
The global effects of the spread of the corona virus could lead to many of us being isolated for extended periods of time, enforced periods of time working alone, thinking alone. Unmanaged this introspection could become unhelpful, instead take the opportunity to explore your ‘one thing’.
I am mindful and observe the varied impacts on me and my clients' (and readers') mental wellbeing- not least the impact of social media or constant opinion-based reporting which contribute to a growth in loneliness in the global community.
Remind yourself of your ‘one thing’ and keep it simple!
Simon