Some patterns show up as positive habits that keep you grounded and operating at your highest expression. Other patterns may be more instinctive, conditioned behaviors designed to assist you in navigating various situations and relationships.
Furthermore, there is the skill of identifying patterns from data, which Psychiatrist Carl Jung called a person’s “Intuition”—one of four mental functions—that enables brainstorming future possibilities and effective decision-making, as highlighted in the Myers Briggs® “Zig Zag Process.”
Awareness of which patterns support your efforts and which do not is key.
Disrupt what no longer is relevant.
Author James Clear wrote, “Focus is the art of knowing what to ignore.” Being deliberate about how you want to feel can help you recognize when you’re out of sync so you can choose a calmer, more clear-headed approach.
Additionally, categorizing any distractions can aid you to distinguish between beneficial ones, such as a quick break to recharge, and those that cause tension and divert you from your priorities.
The choice is yours.
The energy or vibe you create, take in, or pick up is fueling your thoughts, emotions, and actions. As you become more comfortable turning inward and routinely evaluating your mindset, you can determine what your system needs, reclaim your authority, and address any systemic issues.
The more attuned you are to your body and instincts, the less likely you’ll be triggered by others or your environment, allowing you to think objectively, overcome resistance, and stay committed to change.
Create the capacity within you to transform.
Accepting all aspects of yourself and taking small, structured steps will strengthen your resilience and help you self-regulate. You can then work through any challenges to propel you forward.
Here are five prompts to motivate you in taking meaningful action toward your growth.
#1 “STOP” and discern.
When you notice yourself on autopilot, where your instinctual patterns are running the show or your emotions are in hyperdrive, think “STOP.” Dr. Marsha Linehan created this memorable acronym to assist individuals increase their ability to manage distress, intense emotions, and impulses. It stands for Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully. There are many reasons why your judgment may become clouded, and it’s easy to forget what makes the most sense. Discernment helps you connect with your natural rhythm and provides insight into how you truly feel, so you can realize what is and is not in your control, accept your limits and restrictions, and decide what to do next, if anything.
#2 Recalibrate and reframe.
Before doing something you may regret, take a breather to understand your overall intention. Knowing this information can help you determine what approach is needed to guide your actions. Think through the strengths, resources, and tools you’ve used in prior situations that have enabled you to process through prior difficulties to figure out what would empower and motivate you onward.
#3 Visualize and focus.
Proactively make space for “aha” moments by choosing activities that welcome fresh perspectives and by remaining curious about what arises. Put aside what you already deem as true and imagine “What if” and “What could be?” to visualize a new perspective. Additionally, use “I statements” like “I can, I will, and I have” to inspire a new narrative. Watching TV, listening to a podcast, taking a walk, doing a crossword puzzle, or going to lunch with a friend can spark inspiration. Remain neutral to what occurs and witness how inquisitiveness and exploration of different avenues awaken other parts of you. Document what emerges to capture any learnings.
#4 Switch it up and move.
Sometimes, just switching things up and clearing the clutter—physically and mentally—can offer relief. Additionally, making time to embrace these three Ss can support you. For example, (1) “Solitude” provides you space to connect and nurture yourself; (2) “Silence” can help you minimize repetitive thoughts so you can listen and gain clarity; and (3) “Stillness” can reduce your inclination to act on impulses so you can discern what is truly best in the moment. Additionally, moving your body, whether it’s stretching, taking a walk, dimming the lights, opening a window, or repositioning yourself on a chair, can shake off any stagnant energy disturbing you.
#5 Establish self-care rituals.
Your system is fluid and responsive to what is happening around you, which is why ongoing awareness and tweaking are necessary to remain centered and take a more purposeful approach. The fastest way to center and reconnect with yourself is by taking a few deep inhales and exhales, especially when time is limited. Self-care is a must, not a nice-to-have, so it’s crucial to have reliable practices that can help you create more calm in your system, enabling you to elevate your overall effectiveness.
In a world full of many demands, there is no one way to approach life.
It’s easy to get sidetracked and delay your own needs in support of others. A critical step in taking care of yourself is blocking time for it. This means giving yourself as much time as you would to someone else. Go to your calendar right now and begin blocking out time for yourself to invest in what matters most to you.
Activate your best with those around you.
Self-leadership is about getting to know yourself better and applying that knowledge to how you interact with others. As a lifelong student, certified professional coach, and consultant, activating the best in others through self-leadership, interpersonal relations, and team dynamics are passions of mine. My approach is personalized and customized, tapping into various assessments, disciplines, modalities, and techniques. Contact me to schedule a free consultation.