As you begin to make your purpose, vision and hopes a reality by consistently following through on your plans, you’ll find that even though you show up committed, confident and courageous, things won’t always pan out the way you want.
To maintain your energy and enthusiasm, regardless of how your day is unfolding, create your own success toolkit to help you keep going. Think of this as your equipment for looking after yourself as your journey unfolds.
There are lots of different ways to relax and nurture yourself, so you need to identify the things that work for you. Think beyond soaking in a scented bath or booking in for a facial – your mind needs to be supported just as much as your body. Working out what keeps you functioning at your best is called self-care, and it’s a vital part of your success toolkit.
Cheryl Richardson, author of The Art of Extreme Self-Care, sums it up perfectly: ‘Extreme self-care involves surrounding myself with people who are smart, self-aware and only interested in two-way relationships. It means taking bold steps, such as eliminating clutter from my life, for good; creating a soul-nourishing work and home environment, and keeping it that way; getting my financial act together so that I always have choices about how to live my life; and not making any commitments whatsoever out of guilt and obligation.’
Some ideas for your toolkit
Things you may want to include are:
- Authenticity gut check
Are you being YOU? Are you walking the talk and living your values? - Gratitude moments
Are you expressing gratitude for your supporters? - Self-love makeover
Are you looking in the mirror daily and connecting with who you are? Try smiling at your own reflection. - Story audit
Are the stories you’re telling yourself creating beliefs that pull you forward? - Sleep bank
Are you decompressing and refuelling at night? Remember, sleep is our best medicine. - Acts of kindness
Are you giving to others by performing kind acts? This can be one of the best ways to lower stress levels. - What’s working well?
Are you building on your strengths to get the results you want? - Jolts of joy
Have you genuinely laughed today? - Grit goal
Are you persisting with things that are a little challenging, and celebrating your efforts?
(Extract taken from The Life Plan, by Shannah Kennedy. Head over to bookdepository.com to order your copy or get in touch with Shannah here to find out about executive coaching options.)
