Not Everyday Can Be 100%

When I write this blog I try to focus on that ideal life or ideal approach to each day ... how do you squeeze all the juice out of the orange that is your life? But I confess, not every day feels like its a great day. Some days just aren't at 100% energy, focus and enthusiasm. Some days everyone is tired or stressed. Some days it can be a day where your first thought getting out of bed is, how many hours before I can climb back into bed?!

I have blogged before about different strategies to find some energy during the day. I have said to go take a break and find something you love that does energize you, even for 15 minutes. But what about when you are beyond even trying to find some energy or passion reserves?

Go home. Seriously, sometimes the best method is to just take a break. Where did we get this ridiculous idea that every day we would be inspired and energized for 8-10 hours a day always falling between 8 and 6pm. Some days it just isn't going to happen. You need to ask yourself, can I take a break and find some new focus. If the answer is no, or you just know that today is not the day then maybe you just need to rest. I am not talking about lazy. Lazy is a way of life and an approach that is always looking for an easy way out. I am talking about when you just have no gas left in the tank. No juice in the orange. Often its ideal to find a way to retreat and rest. Sleep, nap, sit quiet, read a good book, go sit outside, turn off your phone. Just rest and rejuvenate. One day like this can bring you back so much energy and fire it is shocking.

Today was a day like that for me. I left early and got away from everyone and everything that might disrupt my rejuvenation time. Watch out tomorrow, I'm going to be on fire!

The Recession is Over!

Have you heard? The recession is over! Well, actually, I don't know if that is true. But on the other hand, I don't know when it started or how its even going. So I figure since most people (since over 92% are still working) are still leading pretty good lives, can't explain how the recession has impacted them directly or don't watch the markets everyday, then I am going to challenge the norm.

Media continues to focus on the negative. Most people heard from friends, family and co-workers that the recession was on. It must be true, it was in the paper! It really is as much a rumor in some senses as my new rumor about the recession being over! At least my rumor is positive and makes people feel better.

In fact, I am not just throwing this out. I have been testing it for over a week. I have been telling staff, friends and just about anyone I talk to. Ironically, no one argues with me. Mostly because people don't have an argument for it. They have bought into it and when someone comes along with a tone of authority and says its over, people seem to really like the idea and buy in. I have brought smiles to people's faces all week. They ask where I heard it and I tell them I read it. People start to tell me positive stories they heard about oil being up or a company that was expanding. Then I tell them I made it up. I say its my new rumor and they are temporarily disappointed. I tell them that my rumor is as good as anything they have been consuming for 6 months and its their choice. At least I got some people thinking about what they have been thinking about.

So tell your friends, family and definitely your co-workers. The recession is over! How will it change your approach to your daily life if you knew the recession was officially over? At least know that and be conscious of the rumor you are spreading.

Everyday as Your Birthday

So I just finished my birthday weekend and it was fabulous. I went skiing in Whitefish, Montana. In fact, let me run through my day. I slept in, I rolled out of bed and had breakfast made for me. We went skiing and had nothing but sunshine and soft snow everywhere with a small spring crowd. It was outstanding! Sure, there were some downsides and bummer moments ... like when we had to leave the Hellroaring patio and our mountain of nachos because I had to get to my massage at the spa. Yeah, then we went to my favorite restaurant in Whitefish, Tupelo Grille. We had some fantastic wine and food and then ended the evening relaxing in front of the big screen with one of my favorite movies. It was just ideal!

So why do I tell you all this. Because it occurred to me that most people (and sometimes me) spend a lots of days waiting for that one day. Its like that old furniture your grandmother used to have with the plastic still on ... what are you waiting for?! Who has to come over to break out that fancy couch and ugly lamp?!

We should spend more time living like today is our birthday. We should be saying, what would make this a spectacular day? There was nothing about my birthday that I couldn't do most weeks. But the fact remains that I hadn't put it all together until I had the excuse of it being my birthday. Now in my defense, I am great at doing what makes me happy. I treat myself with little things all the time.

I think I am going to target having a "birthday" every month. If I enjoy it, maybe every 2 weeks. How many birthdays do you plan to have this year?

Preparing for the Week

I know how some people prepare for the week ... hit the snooze button until the last possible minute, scramble to get ready for work drinking too much coffee, get to the office and start in with voicemail, email and another coffee. It is not relaxing, inspiring or energizing in my experience. Its foundation is one of dread, boredom, rushing and lack of focus. I have tried and it is definitely not the way to start a week.

You may have a different version of starting your week than above ... I hope so! Let me give you one more: I now get up, do a little stretching or yoga, I do get a fresh ground and brewed cup of coffee and I read for a few minutes. I want to EASE into my week and this starts it. I get ready for work (making it casual Monday when I can) and then I head to the office. I don't hit my desk and start working! I go to Starbucks or to my conference room and review my list of goals, dreams, things I want to do, things I want to have and who I need to be. It is another way to ease into work but on a positive note. I look at what I accomplished last week and have a little mental celebration and recognition of what I did and achieved. By the time I finish with my weekly pre and review of why I am working so hard, I am pumped! I am jazzed and focused knowing what all my actions are for.

Some people suggest that you review your plan every day and visualize your goals daily as well. I like that idea. You may have found that hard to do so I think having a weekly review at the start of the week is a great way to get focused regularly. It creates a great habit of success for you and may become a daily ritual. But walk before you run.

Start your week with a pace you like. Actions you like. Rituals that empower you and get you fired up about everything you are going to tackle this week.