I don’t know how your morning works, but sometimes I do not just bounce out of bed ready to take on life. I sort of stumble out of bed give some thanks for a new day and get moving. Other days my mind whirls with all that I need to do. Some days I feel like a dark cloud is over me and I can’t keep climbing the mountain of life. No matter how I feel I have to lead myself. Quite frankly, I am the hardest person to lead.
Below are a few strategies I use to help me lead myself.
- Beat the Cynic – Some mornings the hardest battle is replacing the critical negative self –talk with positive truth talk. Maybe some spiritual book you read such as the Bible or an uplifting quote will help you not dwell on the negative aspects of life.
- Activate the Optimist – Unfortunately I have to train myself to be optimistic because of my personality. One practical step that helps me is remembering what I am thankful for such as my family, work, health, etc. For some people optimism is natural and easy, but if you are like me you have to be intentional about being optimistic. Maybe take time to write out a list of three specific items you are thankful for when the day begins or as you drive to work.
- Slander Self-Pity – This one is very challenging for me some days. I want to wallow in my failures and over-analyze. I get this pathetic satisfaction out of being like Winnie the Pooh’s friend Eeyore constantly thinking “woe is me.” To get out of this funk I need to get active either with physical exercise or beginning the work I need to accomplish that day to move me toward my goals. Sometimes listening to positive music helps me improve my mindset or some type of talk on a podcast, CD, etc. to help me get the right frame of mind.
- Lose Laziness – Laziness is the enemy of productivity, but I battle it like everyone else. Routines help me win this battle. The daily routine of creating time each morning to think and journal as I eat breakfast. This helps me activate my body and mind at the same time. As the mind gets active I begin to think about the work I need to do in order to move me toward my goals.
- Cheer Yourself On – There is a phrase I use when talking with people I work with. I challenge them to “turn their own crank.” Basically I am telling them to figure out what motivates them and use that as fuel to keep them going. For example, if a quote inspires you . . . put it somewhere you will constantly see it. Maybe it is a song. . . listen to it at the beginning of the day. Maybe it is a picture that reminds you why you do what you do . . . a picture of your family, of an orphan, money, or something else that gives your life significance. Whatever positive resource helps keep you going , use it.
Author Terry Orlick in his book In Pursuit of Excellence says: “Don’t waste your emotion on things that are not within your control, that will not help your performance, or that don’t really matter in the bigger picture of your life.” So in what way do you need to improve your mental self-leadership? What strategies help you? Comment below so I can learn from you since this is a daily journey of growth for all of us.
