Shift or Stagnate

As I get older, I realize more and more that making mistakes, learning from the consequences and adapting to change is the only way to growth and thrive. Because when we don’t shift, we stagnate.

Anyone who has been in business for any amount of time has made mistakes. The most important thing to remember is that each mistake is a chance to learn, and to grow both personally and professionally. Here are some things I’ve learned over the years to help make the shifting sands of time easier to stand on and less likely to bury you.

What’s most important? What do you value most? What handful of things do you most want to do or experience in life? When you identify these core priorities, you can evaluate your work and personal life against them. Really want to take that month-long photo safari in Africa? Make it happen by saving money and vacation time. On the other hand, if building a business empire is your core priority, dedicate the time to make that happen instead.

Priorities change. The flip side of knowing what’s most important is also knowing that priorities will change. An accident can refocus your priority on health. A job loss can shift the ground beneath you, but also give the opportunity to re-evaluate whether that field or position is what you really want to pursue.

Act and speak truthfully. Are you able to stand behind what you do and say? If not, articulate your thoughts in an open and honest way. This helps eliminate misunderstandings down the road and maintains your personal integrity. Integrity is a big factor in business success, too.

Learn. Everyone makes mistakes, so don’t beat yourself up if you make one. As long as they’re looked at as learning experiences, mistakes can be a good thing. Plus, if we didn’t make mistakes, we aren’t learning!

Do it now. This applies to both your business and personal life. Clean as you go. Sort through the mail before you put it down; junk mail in the recycling, bills in another bin or basket. Deal with personal mail the same way. Don’t pile everything up into an overwhelming mess (I see you, clean but unfolded laundry…). Don’t walk past it and wonder how your always feel bogged down with clutter and tasks that never get done.

24 hours to react. Give yourself 24 hours to digest an upside-down situation, conversation, or an important decision. By giving yourself some time and not acting immediately, you’ll avoid drama that may follow later. This also works if someone has offended or angered you. By waiting a day or two to confront them, you can approach the situation with a level-head.

Laugh. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Humor is a positive coping mechanism that not only improves your mood but builds self-esteem. Learn to laugh at yourself, and others will see you as someone who doesn’t fly off the handle in times of stress. Because there is nothing funnier than being human.

Take care. If your body is healthy and in good repair, you’re better able to handle the stresses that life throws at you. And conversely, an unhealthy body can cause great amounts of additional stress. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep.

Give yourself a break and learn from your past. Reflect on the people, things, and ideas that have shaped you. Take the negative and positive lessons and apply them going forward. Because when we don’t shift, we stagnate. Just sayin’.