A daily boost of motivation, specifically related to GuitarIn5minutes.com - the easiest way to learn guitar from scratch. Often discusses the concept of Beginner's Mind, the Zen precept of openness.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Taking Care of Ourselves, 5 Things That You Value, and 3 Rewards

It is so hard for us sometimes to do the things that nurture us.  We overeat, watch too much TV, stay up too late, and think we are rewarding ourselves.   To say nothing of booze binges, drug binges, toxic people binges, etc.  

These "rewards" drain our energy for the things we really want to do - the things that support us, that help us become our best, and give us energy for the tasks ahead.   And they all come with punishments - hangovers, fatigue, credit card debts, gained weight, and lost self-esteem.

Today, make a list of 5 things that you could do that express your most cherished values. 


These could be:

  • Spending time with your child, spouse, or other loved one (family)
  • Learning to play the guitar (music, art appreciation)
  • Cleaning the garage or spare room  (order)
  • Going for a walk, a hike, or a run (nature, exercise) 
  • Planning for and taking a long-desired vacation (travel)
You get the point.   What is it that you truly value?   What kind of person do you want be?  THEN (and the two lists may overlap), make a list of 3 ways you can reward yourself in accordance with those values.  It may include self-denial such as
  • skipping dessert
  • going to bed early to get up for a morning walk
  • going to bed a little later so that you can get in some reading time
  • making sure you practice the guitar 5 minutes a day 
  • doing yoga in the morning instead of surfing the Web
  • saving money in a jar for a trip to Paris
When we treat ourselves like we matter, the Universe responds in kind.  "Everything counts!" says Gary Ryan Blair.  "There will never be a day that does not require perseverance, dedication, discipline, and personal integrity."  

Practice Beginner's Mind!  

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

3 Ways To Review Your Progress And Not Beat Yourself Up

It's so hard sometimes to go back and measure our progress.  Whether it's the turning of the calendar to a new year, a new decade (!), or some kind of personal milestone, we all hit those times when we look back and see how far we've come or how we've fallen short of our goals.

If you're like me (i.e. incredibly hard on yourself), it is much easier to see the glass as half or all empty than half full.   Try not to take the easy way out!   Credit where credit is due.

Reviews are important, though.   Accountability is a positive thing and will help you progress personally, spiritually, in business, in your relationships, and in all areas of your life.

Here's 3 simple ways that you can review your progress and not sabotage your future:

1)  Acknowledge your accomplishments:   Start off by making a list of at least 5 things that you have done right.   I credit Ariel Hyatt of CyberPR for this strategy - she suggests doing this every day to keep yourself positive.  This could be as simple as showing up to practice your guitar 5 minutes a day, showing up at the computer to write for 5 minutes a day, etc.  The point is showing up counts!  Give yourself more credit that you feel you deserve.   And schedule some kind of celebration for a job well done - let yourself eat your favorite food, watch your favorite TV show, listen to your favorite music.  You deserve a treat.

2)  Be honest about your shortcomings:   In any kind of personal/business inventory, an honest appraisal of your weak points and missed goals is crucial to forward momentum.   However, keep in mind that the purpose of listing your shortcomings is to figure out what future action is needed.  It's the opposite of wallowing.   List where you've fallen short and, for each area, list an action that can be taken to prevent the same thing from happening in the future.

3)  Make an action plan:   The antidote to depression is action.   List at least 5 things that you can do today (even if you don't get to them all today) to make your next year/fiscal period better than the last one.  They don't have to be huge earthshaking movements.   Small actions breed larger actions.  Start small.  

I wish everyone has a wonderful, healthy, happy 2010!   Hey - we survived the 00s!

Practice Beginner's Mind.

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