Do you ever get to the end of the day exhausted but you’re not actually sure what you did? Yes you got things “done” but nothing stands out. I’ve had those days and when they happen often (more than once in a while or several days in a row), that’s a sign to me that I’ve gotten off course.
Let me give you a personal example. I have a simple way I end each day, I write one thing I am grateful for that day, one thing I accomplished and one person I connected with. Some nights it’s just a list and sometimes I add in some details like how I felt. I keep the list on my phone in notes, and often re-read it to savor the good in my life. I, like most humans, have a negativity bias and savoring the good helps me create positivity in my life.
But somehow in the middle of last year there was a big gap in my list. I didn’t write anything. When I look back, I can now see the evidence that I started going off course in June and was in the wild by July. WHAT HAPPENED? Fortunately I had some help from my daughter and husband, who gently nudged me to figure out what was off.
Through writing and reflecting on how I spent my days, really getting curious, I came to the realization that I was allowing others to tell me what was important. I let my boundaries become porous. I did things others wanted me to do even as I didn’t want to do these things or even think that they mattered. So I spent my days doing things that I didn’t value in ways that were not authentic. I also recognized that when this happens I get irritable, can’t sleep and feel overwhelmed.
Slowly I was able to rebuild my boundaries and remind myself what was important to me, what I valued, and added more of that into my day. I had to take it step by small step to create habits that support living the life I love. I made sure to write my 3 things at night, take a walk in nature in the morning with my husband, and set priorities based on what makes me feel energized, engaged and authentic. Sure, I still do the laundry, pay bills, make dinner and all of those daily tasks, but I make sure to also do what makes me feel alive, what’s important to me. That’s not selfish — when I feel energized by what I’m doing, I have so much more energy to do for others as well.
- Do you ever get to the end of the day exhausted but you’re not actually sure what you did?
- How do you get back on track?
- Do you know what to do each day to feel energized and authentic?
- What habits can you create to remind you to do what’s important to you?
Write about a time you got off track but were able to recalibrate. What tools did you use?
P.S. Frequently when we hit transitions or pivot points, we need to recalibrate, rethink what we do and how and most importantly why. Recognizing what has worked for you in the past (or what hasn’t) can help you smooth the way going forward, but sometimes we lose sight of what we truly want. I invite you to download my free guide, 3 Steps to Having a Meaningful Life You Love to tap back into what you want and start designing your best life—a life with more energy, engagement, and clarity.