I know all of us have had those days where at end of it, it felt like nothing of value was accomplished. It is dangerous when those days become the norm. When they increase in frequency, it is an indicator that something needs to change. My friend, Chuck Allen, says, “When you have more bad days than good days, you are doing something wrong.” I agree.
There is a way out. A healthy solution to this problem is to ask the question, “What do I really value? Are those values reflected in my day?” Knowing this helps bring your daily schedule into alignment with who you are.
Here’s four ways to do this:
1. Take a Step Back
Take a step back, breathe and filter out the distractions around you. By doing this, you are able to regain clarity that enables you to prioritize your time, energy and money. When you burn the candle at both ends, you begin to develop tunnel vision and are unable to see the big picture. For me, taking a step back is very helpful. I make sure I spend time in prayer and reading the Bible each day.
2. Get Input from Others
Sometimes we need to look at our situation from another person’s perspective. This is helpful both personally and professionally. As you get input from others, you become more informed and able to make better decisions. You may find out that you’ve been doing some things wrong. If so, re-adjust. We must be more committed to doing the right thing than being right.
3. Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin
It is important for you to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. You need to know what you do well and what you don’t. By knowing these you are able to seek ways to continually improve.
4. Stay Moldable
A lot of people are ladder climbers. They want to work their way up to the top of their organization while stepping on those below them. They forget where they came from because they are so focused on where they are going.
It is true: where you are is not where you will always be. But don’t discount the process of growing. I still remember my first office. It really was a small closet that was used to store craft supplies. I still remember some of the great things I learned and experienced during that season of my life.
Take some time for this kind of self reflection. It won’t happen automatically, and it isn’t always easy, however, disciplining yourself to do so will help guide you back to living out what you value.
If you find this topic helpful, I suggest your read the book “From Values to Action”.
Question: What are some of the ways you re-center yourself? What has been helpful?