“Everyone starts somewhere different, so don’t waste a moment comparing yourself favorably or unfavorably with others. “
5 Tips to Upgrade Your Life Effortlessly
Hello Beautiful,
What if we have been wrong, all along, about why we aren’t “Living Our Best Life”? What if it wasn’t a lack of time, discipline, or money that was keeping us from being our best at every level. I am happy to tell you that there are some paradigm shifts that can launch you forward to the next level of freedom, delight, and clarity in your life. Here are 5 ways to upgrade your approach and break through:
Upgrade don’t eliminate. For example, rather than swearing off chips and guacamole, try Siete brand grain free chips (free of inflammatory omega 6 rich oils -like canola, cottonseed, corn, sunflower, safflower, and soy oils- that plague 99% of the “healthy” chips out there) and fresh avocado seasoned with Spike multi-purpose seasoning and lemon juice. I am a firm believer that every “vice” has a fabulous tasting alternative. This summer I am making a healthy Key Lime Pie every week.
Take your time. Rushing through meals, conversations, and tasks is the route to dissatisfaction in life. In Cal Newport’s amazing book Deep Work, he shares research that being truly present to any task brings greater satisfaction than rushing through even the best experiences. In this distracted and over busy culture, we are losing the ability to actually enjoy what we are working so hard to accomplish. By slowing down and mindfully doing one thing at a time, we will multiply our life satisfaction in each moment.
Start small. Most changes are delayed because we don’t have the time, energy, money, etc to “really” do it. I challenge you to start with a 2-5 min daily action towards your “stuck” areas. A single yoga Sun Salutation, a single kitchen drawer re-organized, a 3 minute Jade Egg practice, or any other small but consistent daily practice you have been meaning to add “someday” is enough to turn the tide. After a few weeks, you may inch the time up a bit. Overall, the mindset shift you are going for here is “too small to fail.” We can all find 2 minutes every single day to meditate. In time, it will expand in scope, but for now, keep it tiny and consistent.
Progress not perfection. Keep heading in the direction of your goal. Don’t let setbacks convince you you’ve failed. Be compassionate with your setbacks and relentless in your re-orientation. Change is rarely a straight line but it is a consistent direction. All or nothing thinking usually leaves us with the nothing rather than all! So let’s be strategic, compassionate, and relentless in our direction.
Beware of comparison. When we are looking for an extraordinary result, we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. Find role models for various areas of life (relational masters, aging well super heroes, people who excel as communicators, people who are wise, etc). Use your “Pantheon of Inspiration” to recalibrate your expectations for your growth. Everyone has different starting places, so don’t waste a moment comparing yourself favorably or unfavorably with others. Instead, keep studying the habits, skills, and mindsets of those who inspire you towards your fullest potential.
When we commit to change, we commit to upgrading our mindset and remodeling our habits. Both of these take some time and resolve to shift. If we take a strategic and long term approach, we can really make big shifts. I like to spend 30 minutes each Sunday to review my journaling insights, notes from time with counselors/mentors, and my own annual or monthly goals. I find this weekly re-immersion into my Future Self is key to keeping my momentum and refining my approach in the coming week. I am wishing you great success as you journey forward from what is now to what is possible!
Cheering you on,
Rachel