Does your life need a boost in the area of overall well-being and personal mastery? Are you ready to make a deeper commitment to your fullest potential? Here are five essentials to guide you in envisioning, accessing, adapting and acting on your commitment to being your best self in every area of your life!
1. Meaning: Connect to something that is meaningful to you each day.
The importance of “meaning” is derived from large bodies of clinical research in the field of behavioral science. It’s proven that people who connect to meaning each day are happier, have a greater ability to adapt to challenges and use stress as a positive factor in the midst of change. Dr. Eric Maisel, a prolific author on this topic, says this is most effective if done first thing in the morning.
What does meaning or a meaning practice look like to you? It could be taking a few minutes each day to name something you are grateful for, spending time in nature, volunteering or committing time to creative projects like writing, painting, photography or research. The key here is getting clear on what is meaningful for you and prioritizing that each day, even if it is for as little as five to 10 minutes.
2. Visualization: Approach your life with a positive attitude.
We do not always have control over our circumstances; however, the way in which we respond, see and frame them is directly within our control.
Ongoing studies in neuroscience, psychology and behavioral sciences continue to conclusively demonstrate a direct relationship between having a positive attitude toward life/work and experiencing improved health, extended life and an overall sense of well-being.
In particular, cultivating a sense of awareness coupled with visualization has been proven to be beneficial. Any form of meditation appears to have more sustained effects on changing brain states to this more positive outlook.
Where do you bring a positive attitude to your life and your job? What is challenging? What can you let go of? Do you empower yourself to visualize positive outcomes? Happiness is said to be cultivated. By connecting to your values, your true character can emerge by adjusting your attitude through positive thinking and visualization toward people, projects and circumstances. From this position of personal mastery, you can more effectively direct your life toward positive impact and targeted goals.
3. Movement: Train your brain and your body.
The evidence of modern neurobiology research is undeniable. Studies discussed by the Mayo Clinic, Forbes contributors and other researchers highlight the numerous benefits of regular physical activity. Among them are improved mood and energy, improved health conditions, improved creativity and overall improved quality of life. Movement practice can also be fun!
What physical activities do you enjoy? How many times a week do you engage in them? It is suggested that a minimum of 30 minutes of activity a day can begin to promote and sustain these benefits. This does not have to be overwhelming; by planning carefully and pacing yourself, you can make a body movement practice a healthy habit that lasts a lifetime.
4. Play: Laughter is the best medicine.
Play is important at every age, and laughter is said to be one of the best medicines. When we allow ourselves the freedom to completely be our childlike selves, we access a part of our brains that is otherwise asleep, all the while allowing another part of the brain to continue its “work,” oftentimes leading us to new solutions. So the recommendation is to seek out more conditions that produce laughter in your life, whatever they are! Playing with my two “big” kids or interacting with animals is the surest way for laughter to show up for me.
When is the last time you played? With no agendas regarding the outcome?
What does playing look and feel like to you? It will be very different for different people. With whom and/or what were you doing when laughter was present effortlessly and in volume? Go with that!
5. Nourishment: Feed your body well.
This is where we get to look at this equation: nutrition + awareness = greater possibilities of health and wellness.
Let's detour for a minute and theorize what might happen if you never changed the oil in your car. Or never replaced the brake fluid. Or never turned the engine off. Pretty simple answers, right? Eventually, the car would run out of gas or things would begin to break down. Different parts would begin to be overstressed.
Guess what? The same thing happens in the body and with the mind.
Pay attention to what you're eating throughout the day to ensure you're nourishing your body. Studies show that eating healthy foods can help you perform better and lead to better health and well-being.
So there you have it, and now the invitation: Where can you move the needle with these five essentials for greater well-being and personal mastery in your life? Your fullest potential and impact in your relationships, work and communities are calling.