Rise up, every day is a new beginning!

The season is changing, you can feel it in the air. You can see it around you as buds begin to peak out among the tree branches. The days are in fact, getting longer. The miracle of life as we traverse through the seasons is happening right in front of us.
The truth is that this miracle happens for each of us every day. We wake up and we set forth. As we begin each day, we have the opportunity to start anew. We have the most critical choice of the day occurring as we roll out of bed. How well are we taking that important step? Let’s take a deeper look at HOW we can ‘rise up’ every day, with brilliant energy and impact.

Typically, conversations around habits center on the bad ones; smoking after dinner, eating when stressed, speeding when driving. However, habits can also be good! Exercising daily, reading before bed, drinking 64 ounces of water daily, taking your kids to school (or picking them up). The question is….are your habits purposeful and are they serving you well?

A Duke University study found that at least 45% of our waking behavior is habitual! That means that 45% of the time, we are unconsciously navigating through our day, which is, as Michael Bungay Stanier puts it, “…amazing and a little disturbing.” Ever heard someone say “we are creatures of habit,” turns out that Duke confirmed it. So what do we do with this information?

Last month we talked about owning our thoughts and feelings as we experience stressors throughout the day. We can apply this same approach to owning and creating the habits that we want, the habits that align with our authenticity as well as ditching or changing the habits that may not be serving us well. One of the best ways to create a positive habit is to link it to your big picture goals, philosophies or values. In the book, Zen Habits: Mastering the Art of Change, the author cites that thinking about what the new habit can do for others or people you care about rather than solely what it can do for you will cement it’s importance for you. The author was unable to quit smoking until he tied it to a commitment to his wife and newborn daughter.

A few months ago, you likely created goals for the year, some professional and some personal. How are your daily habits, that 45% of your awake time, supporting those goals? Which habits should be changed? What new habits could boost your attitude/energy, perspective, and performance toward those goals? The sun will rise again tomorrow providing another new beginning opportunity. It is your choice to leverage it.

In recent conversations with these awesome peers this month there has been an encouraging, optimistic vibe. It is a contagious attitude of resilience and success; we create momentum for each other by being supportive of each other. These leaders understand that we each have the opportunity to Rise Up every day, to make a difference in the lives of others IF we can first make that difference within ourselves. It starts with the moment you roll out of bed and pad toward the bathroom. What do you see? What do you feel? Is your environment giving you success cues?

Join me in making March the month of creating your momentum with success habits and cues! Here are some simple examples to get your day started with anabolic energy:

* Post pics on your bathroom mirror that make you smile.
* Post affirmations and/or scripture where you will see it when you first get up. Maybe it’s by your bed, on your phone, or in the bathroom.
* Think of 3 things that you are grateful for as you go through your morning readiness routine.
* Error proof the things you dread. Hate thinking about what to wear in the morning, lay the clothes out the night before!
* Set your Intentions for the day. Do that during breakfast, while you exercise, or even on your drive to work.
* Do something nice for a family member before you head out the door (or to another door if you work from home).

There is nothing stopping you from living your best life! If you are feeling impeded, unable to remove obstacles in your path, or having difficulty letting go of feelings of anger or frustration, click on any image in this newsletter and let’s set up some time to create and implement your Success Strategy.

A great place to start this journey, as we edge our way into Spring, is with an Energy Leadership Index Assessment (ELI)! Start your journey now by clicking the link below.

Diane Wilhelm
Leadership and Potentials Catalyst