We've all had days, moments, periods of time spent in workplace purgatory. These may be times where nothing we do feels right, it feels like we're working hard for little reward, or we find ourselves on the sidelines watching the company’s leaders pick their favorite employees for plum assignments or golden promotions. The good news is you can change this experience. Just as you can design your career, finances, or relationships you can design how you show up and navigate through those difficult situations. The best action you can take in those moments of chaos is to strike a pose and DESIGN YOU. My favorite approach to navigating what sometimes feel like treacherous office dynamics is to get into Workplace Warrior pose. As a budding Yogi one of my favorite poses is Warrior II, with arms out straight, one leg stretched back and front leg bended; this pose requires strength, determination, and integrity. Whether we’re on the yoga mat or in the office, this pose reminds me we have the power to remain open, fortified, grounded, and inspired to push through. Since most of us aren't able to break our in Warrior II Pose in the office, here’s a few Workplace Warrior Steps you can follow to take back your power and DESIGN YOU in that moment: 1. Listen closely. Be open to hear what other people are saying, and even more important pay attention to the story you are telling yourself. 2. Know your triggers. Lean forward taking a close look at you – your role, your hot buttons, and the recurring difficult situations you find yourself in. 3. Design your strategy. Breathe (through the pose or situation), journal, draw, or keep a picture near by that reminds you of who you want to be through it all. What's been your proven strategy for big and small career challenges? Post your triumphs here! If you’re a recovering “think-a-holic” like me then I’m pretty sure dreaming may sound a bit woo-woo. Well let me tell you, dreaming has quite the functional purpose. Many people, especially those of us who work or have worked in the corporate space are familiar with writing annual goals. Some of us even take on the astronomical and ambitious new years resolution. Dreaming is quite a different than simply writing goals or making some fantastical resolution at the start of each year. Dreaming is about expanding your heart and writing goals in a way to hold yourself accountable to specific objectives you have in mind. Each is valuable and important in achieving success; the key is aligning your head (goals) and your heart (dreams) so that you expend your energy on what matters most to you. There is in fact an art to dreaming. It’s not only about closing your eyes and allowing creative thoughts to flood your mind since your heart needs to be engaged in this process too. It’s about sometimes quieting the thoughts in your head in order to feel and experience the emotions that come up with the various ideas and aspirations you envision for yourself. This is one way to differentiate your dreams from goals or expectations imposed by others. When someone else dictates your goals you’re less likely to have a positive visceral response. When you’re creating your own dreams and subsequent goals for yourself you experience a more powerful sense of vigor and excitement. Too often we limit the time we spend dreaming, and like the art of listening, painting, or playing a musical instrument - it takes practice no matter how good you are. So, why should you begin or re-engage in your own practice of dreaming? The answer is really up to you – it depends on what you how big, how bold, how enriched you want your life to be. It doesn't matter who you are or what roles you play in life either. Whether you’re a C-Suite Executive, Mid-Level Manager, Artist, Entrepreneur, Parent, or private coaching client looking to Lead Key Areas in Your Own Life your ability to dream will be in direct measure with your ability to succeed. To set goals that resonate and enhance your life, and live in authenticity, fulfillment, and joy begins with a little seed called "your dream". The good news is big and small dreams are within reach and what your heart truly desires is possible. There are a number of ways you can begin or reinvigorate your style of dreaming. For me, I’m visual and need to see my vision to connect with it - so I Design My Year with an annual vision board. For others it’s journaling, reading inspirational books, meditating, or watching and even joining Oprah’s Lifeclass series. The conduit to dreaming is personally up to you. What are some ways you create and embody dreams for your life? What dreams are you designing for your life NOW? |
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Lessons LearnedThe life we experience is designed to help us grow. My wish is that you learn from me as much as I learn from you. Share your life lessons and let's build together. Archives
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