6 Intentional Ways to Recharge and Reconnect

Because I believe in the power of intention I’m going to share with you what I’m doing to ensure that I enjoy the holiday season, recharge and reconnect with what’s really important.

1 - Practice self-care: 

“Put your oxygen mask on first, then help the others around you.” How many times have you heard that and did you really capture its meaning? It’s really important advice this time of year and I find myself repeating it so I don’t get overwhelmed with all the things I have on my plate (end of year budget/strategic planning for 2017/decorating/gift lists and shopping/out of town guests/etc.). Self-care for me means getting up earlier than usual so I can watch the sunrise. Really see it peak through the clouds and watch until I have to close my eyes from the brightness. 

2 - Implement time management and routines: 

I have migrated everything to google calendar. Everything is now in one place and color coordinated AND there are scheduled blocks for creative thinking. At a glance I can see what the day and week looks like. Coupling that with purposeful and intentional routines (3 lunch dates per week for outreach and connection) means that I can measure activities and progress.

3 - Access your Creative thinking strategies: 

I am a voracious reader. I belong to 3 book clubs: one for pleasure (novels from all over the world), one for business development (meets monthly TCI) and one for spiritual growth and awareness. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Use technology to your advantage—listen to audio books (on your commute, during lunch time).  My favorite book this year related to the creative thinking process is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Join me on Facebook Live on January 27th 2017 to discuss the book and how you can use it boost creativity in all aspects of your life (register for the event).

4 - Meditate: 

This is the most powerful way that I recharge and reconnect EVERY MORNING for at least 15 minutes. “You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day – unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.” (Zen proverb) Very wise words to live by. Meditation comes in many forms and the easiest way to start if you are not meditating now is to use mindfulness techniques. I suggest a color walk: choose a color for the day and take a walk. Notice how many times you notice that color on your walk AND throughout your day… you will be pleasantly surprised at how many times you see a color now that you are noticing that color. (For a great reference on how to meditate and how to improve your practice, check out some of the courses on The Daily Om, one of my favorite sites!)

5 - Be Confident:

Confidence is a skill I practice every day. Confidence in my ability to help someone. Confidence in my ability to find resources when I don’t have answers and need help. Confidence that I am showing up as my best self and confidence that I can learn from mistakes.

6 - Use the power of observation and objectivity to your advantage:

Observation and objectivity are keys to personal and business success. Clarity of mission, of vision and of purpose will help guide your actions every day. I’m affiliated to the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) and one of the most important tools we have as coaches and mentors, as consultants and trainers, as entrepreneurs and executives is to be objective. Start with questions and keep asking them along the way. This works for business development AND it works for personal development as well…

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season! I'd love to hear your thoughts and anything you'd add to this list. Together we make each other better.

-Nancy