How do athletes become phenomenal? They train, they get coached, every day! It comes at a price – time and discipline. So, ask yourself if you’re willing to pay that price and invest in yourself to join the ranks of highly successful individuals…
Last week, I spoke of intentional plans for personal development and growth. Let me share my recipe to give you some guidance on how to craft your very own creation. My recipe is always in a state of flux, depending on current circumstances. Yours will also alter as your needs or direction dictates. We are all unique, therefore there will be no two alike. You need to figure out your own ingredients to create your masterpiece!
How? By examining your lifestyle, career, passions, goals and ambitions. Carefully adding them into your mix – that’s the only way you will get results. The intentions need to be reasonable. Don’t put down something that you know will become a stumbling block. Keep it simple and easy – that’s the trick. And remember, that these intentions will alter all the time, as they must.
Full disclosure – I am always finetuning my recipe. We are all human and are therefore not completely successful 100% of the time, which is absolutely okay!
My Recipe
- I wake up and relax for a further 5 minutes, concentrating on all the great things that are currently in my life and I practice gratitude.
- Taking 3 deep breaths, I hold at the peak of inhalation and then slowly release – allowing my entire body to cooperate.
- A cluttered place can most often lead to a cluttered mind, so whilst making my bed may seem like such a menial task, it really can have a massive impact on one’s mind.
- I consciously unplug from my phone whilst I get ready for the day, so as to keep from getting distracted.
- Settling into my office, I begin my work day with intentional objectives for each and every client.
- I keep this to-do list handy so that I am able to cross off tasks between clients and breaks.
- I find it very important to check in with myself at different points in the day, reminding myself to remain present. This is the hardest one and definitely requires discipline and practice. Mindfulness is the most wonderful feeling, especially on the days that you perfect it.
- As the day winds down, I like to check in with myself again and connect with how I am feeling. It is okay to not always feel positive after a day, negative thoughts and feelings are feelings nonetheless and it is important to be able to label and understand these feelings. There are some great coping skills available that address these moments.
- Repeat the next day ☺
Suggestions for commuters:
- Listen to your favourite music, audible book or great podcast. Sometimes you’ll be thankful for the traffic as you’ll feel yourself start to unwind.
- At work, mute unnecessary whatsapp conversations or groups that will only serve to distract you. We need to remember that our phones are for our convenience, no one else’s and it is okay to limit your screen time when you feel it necessary.
Think of those professional athletes that you so admire, who are coached every day!
They all started with Intentional Masterclass 101. With or without help – jump right in and become a Master ‘chef’ and craft a recipe that works for you.