It's Friday, and we're on the cusp of the holiday season. For most of you (I hope), work is starting to quiet down, and you're looking forward to some much-needed downtime at the end of the year.
This can also be an opportunity for resetting, which is why I’m sharing three powerful ways to refocus on what really matters today.
First - I just want to acknowledge it's really hard to refocus or reframe when you're feeling uncertain or overwhelmed.
I think that the key is to learn to change how you listen.
Instead of hearing your colleague's resistance as stubbornness, you might start noticing the underlying concern they haven't voiced yet. Or instead of letting your racing thoughts drown out a difficult conversation, you can create space to hear what really matters, things like:
- .what's not being said;
- the real motivation behind why this person isn't cooperating;
- what your mind needs to think clearly; and
- what your heart needs to stay compassionate when you disagree with someone.
3 Strategies for Refocusing*
*That will change how you listen
Here are some of my favorite strategies that have helped me change how I listen.
I've included a reading and a short video for each - but this is just scratching the surface.
If you want to explore or discuss further, hit reply and I'd love to talk about how YOU can use these practices in your daily life and work. :)
1- Find moments of awe.
I'll admit, I have had a regular meditation practice for several years now, but it took me 15 years after being exposed to mindfulness practices to seriously build it into my daily life. There's a ton of science to back up the power of meditation on our brains' ability to listen differently - but for many people (myself included) - it's not easily accessible for a while.
That's why I'm such a big advocate for moments of awe - it's simple, easy, and anyone can connect to little moments that spark awe and wonder. Whether it's watching a brilliant sunset out your window, getting chills down your spine from a powerful song, or experiencing an unexpected moment of kindness from a stranger, everyday moments can take us out of our narrow-minded, self-centered perspective to one of connection, gratitude, and joy.
Curious to explore further?
|
|
Watch: Short video on one of the 8 universal kinds of awe.
|
2- Spend time outdoors.
I'm currently reading several books on the science behind why nature is such a powerful catalyst for being happier, healthier, and more creative, and I'm particularly interested in how it applies to us working, city-types. I've never lived outside of a major city or its suburbs in my life, and while I love spending time outdoors, I'm not a hard-core outdoor enthusiast.
I'm really enjoying The Nature Fix, by Florence Williams, which speaks to those of us who live and work in urban environments but want to harness nature's benefits in practical, everyday ways. It's a fun, easy read, and she highlights some really interesting and accessible practices for rethinking about how we engage with nature in ways that can positively impact our happiness, focus, creativity, and working relationships.
Curious to explore further?
|
|
Watch: Short interview with the author where she talks about the book
|
3- Build mastery.
One of my favorite books by Dan Pink, author, speaker, and thought leader specializing in behavioral science, motivation, and the future of work, is about how mastery, autonomy and purpose - contrary to rewards and punishments - play a critical role in our motivation at work.
Curious to explore further?
|
|
Watch: Animated talk about the ideas in Drive
|
No matter what - don't forget to stay playful,
Allie
Clean out your ears, don't listen for what you already know. - Rumi
www.tula-creative.com
Many leaders in new or changing roles feel stuck between their big vision and the daily demands pulling them off course. I help you gain clarity, reconnect to what matters, and align your team so you can bring your vision to life with confidence.
Unsubscribe · Preferences
