A few days ago, I perused the titles of the 150 plus posts I have shared on this blog, to review my content. While doing so, I noticed a number of different themes in my writing.
I’ve written about each of these themes because I wholeheartedly believe, they are key ingredients to success. The one theme I’ve neglected to give adequate attention, happens to be the same place I tend to struggle in my own life.
What is that theme?
It’s well-being.
Now, to be clear, when I say well-being, I’m not talking about eating healthy and working out.
Many of us have no problem denying ourselves the foods we believe will hurt us. We take pride in beating our bodies into submission, by building up a sweat at the gym or running a trail.
When I mention well-being, I’m referring to the restorative and loving relationship we should all have with our mind and body.
The vast majority, who have experienced some success in life, have done so by operating at one speed.
That speed is FAST!
Our days go by fast!
We read fast!
We type fast!
We eat fast!
We complete task fast!
We walk fast!
We drive fast!
Everything is done at the speed of FAST!
…and then when we get to the weekend, we typically increase the speed to faster.
In this American culture, our ideas about fun have very few restorative qualities.
Drinking with friends, beats up the body.
Dancing with friends, typically competes with sleep.
Running, riding, swimming or playing sports require a great deal of energy.
All of these activities are labeled FUN, but we seldom honor and reward this fun by doing the following:
RELAX.
This past week I had the opportunity to hear Steven Levitt speak at the World Business Forum. Levitt is the co-author of the books Freakonomics and Superfreakonomics.
(Google him)
At the end of his speech he shared three words of advice with the audience.
I shared his three words of advice Saturday evening on the Inspirational Perspective radio show, but I paraphrased number 3. Levitt’s advice was as follows:
- Redefine your problems.
- Do not accept barriers. Many of our barriers are cognitive. We are too obedient to our barriers.
- Soak your buns in warm water.
That’s right!
He said it just like that.
“Soak your buns in warm water and relax!” ~ Steven Levitt
Levitt then shared that it is relaxation, that allows us to redefine our problems.
Based on my experience, I would have to agree.
Over the past year, I’ve had a number of friends transition into new jobs. Almost every time, I ask if they’re going to sneak a vacation between the old and new job; they’ve all had the same answer.
They say, “I’m just gonna take my momentum into this new role.”
What is it that makes us just keep going and going, like that little pink Energizer bunny?
This week my questions for reflection are:
- Are you doing an adequate job at taking time to restore your mind and body?
- Are you planning, scheduling or just making time to relax?
What good is success, if it comes with the price tag of a troubled mind and unhealthy body?
“This art of resting the mind and the power of dismissing from it all care and worry is probably one of the secrets of energy in our great men.” ~ Captain J. A. Hadfield
It may be time that we all sat back, relaxed and took a chill pill.
Are you up for this challenge?
If so, leave me a comment here on the website, send me a tweet or leave a note on the Facebook Inspirational Perspective Page and tell us how you plan to relax.
This week and beyond, let’s get intentional about shifting our gears from fast to relax.
…and remember to stay inspired, it’s a lifestyle choice!
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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