Category: Uncategorized (Page 69 of 158)

So much of what we do in a day can feel like we have no choice and we have to do it. Sure, the reality is we probably need to engage in tasks we may not find the most enjoyable, but nevertheless, need to get done.

Maybe we can find a way to get pleasure out of these moments or maybe bring pleasure to them. Or said another way, being able to find the pleasure in our work.

That sounds possible. Even if it’s a task such as cleaning the kitchen, we can find ways to make the experience pleasant. Whether that’s listening to music while we work or having the TV on in the background or even listening to an audio book, we can find ways to enjoy ourselves in that moment.

So, when my wife thanks me for cleaning up after dinner, I can honestly and genuinely respond, “my pleasure.”

We can find power and comfort in our routines as this is how we move mountains.

Finding effective and manageable tasks we can repeat over and over again that fall in line with our big audacious goals can be the difference between hitting the mark or getting frustrated and falling off the cliff of despair.

The same can be said for routines that hold us back – whatever they may be.

The key is to identify which direction our routines are taking us: towards our goals or away from them. On a road leading us to where we want to go or a path to a dead end where we don’t want end up. We can then make adjustments to what we place our attention on.

Let’s not underestimate the power of our routines. Positively or negatively.

This is true.

That’s a real gutsy statement, isn’t it?

In my experience, the only way you’re going to find out what you don’t know is by choosing to experience the unknown.

What the heck does that mean?

From what I can tell, in order to gain new experiences which eventually can become wisdom – if properly processed – we must go off the beaten path and risk flailing about looking like a yahoo in order to extrapolate information we can utilize later in life.

When I trace the footsteps of how I gained a tidbit of knowledge, it inevitably goes back to a moment in time when an occurrence took place that I didn’t plan or anticipate. But, my intention of striking out and risking the unknown was there. I made the decision to seek more and not remain comfortable with what I already knew.

It’s that thirst to learn, grow and evolve that can lead us to the “know.”

Remaining stagnate only keeps us in the loop of ignorance and never knowing what we could have known had we decided to look.

Maybe, just maybe if we know why, we can discover how. Does that make any sense?

I know I’ve heard before – “just do it. It doesn’t matter why.” But, I’m not so sure of that.

For example, maybe if I knew why I failed to deal with certain issues in my life, maybe I could parcel it out and approach the subject matter.

If I’m terrified with fear to proceed on a certain project because I don’t want to fail, then maybe I can address the fear itself. And then break it down into the specifics avoiding the pitfalls that others fall into because of their lack of digging in.

I can address and define what ‘failing’ means to me. When it’s all said and done, maybe I can discover that doing the work and getting a result – whether it’s one I’m happy with or not is not failing. Not doing anything is the true failure.

Not sure. But, it’s worth a try for me.

Answering the ‘why.’

Fortunately, or unfortunately, we get to choose what we see. This can be quite overwhelming for some people or it can be absolutely exhilarating and powerful for others.

Why? Because it’s up to us. We choose what we want to see.

Is our cup half full or is it half empty?

Most of us don’t like having that kind of responsibility in our own lives because it can be overwhelming. We would rather make excuses for why we’re not where we want to be and talk about it with others that are in the same situation rather than to own up to it.

That’s okay. We just need to recognize that’s what we’re doing. Awareness is more than half the battle.

It doesn’t matter how anyone else see’s the world, only you.

So, let’s choose a perspective that empowers us, inspires us and give us the impetus to be the best version of ourselves we can be.

Using what?

These eyes.