I don’t know about you but staying motivated and resilient into the new year sometimes feels like biking on a long flat road, with a strong headwind. I’m pedaling hard but I seem to stand still.
It is the end of the first month of 2021. Many of us were excited about leaving 2020 and all its challenges behind. We were energized by the thought of a new year with new opportunities and new hope for the future fueled by the promise of a vaccine and the beginning of the end of the pandemic.
Yet, here we are, a few weeks in an not much seemed to have changed in my daily life.
So, what can we do? What is helping you to stay motivated? Where do you draw energy to keep on pedaling?
So, what can we do? What is helping you to stay motivated? Where do you draw energy to keep on pedaling?
Five Resiliency Tips
Share how you are feeling- as a coach I often think I must be strong and model resiliency, but some days are just really tough. Sharing with a trusted friend or family member about how I am feeling helps. it literally eases the burden I am carrying. Whatever it is.
Keep a short-term perspective on life. Plan for the week, focus on the day and keep the further future in the background. Live life like an unfinished canvas of a painting that you are filling the details in.
Create a routine – it provides a sense of stability and safety and helps us keep on moving. But be flexible, too rigid a routine and you might get stuck. Allow for new ideas and adventure too.
Remember to exercise. You don’t have to be super fit or train for a marathon. Daily exercise and fresh air helps with wellbeing and focus. Even just a few minutes a day makes a difference. Step outside and walk around your house or the block. Do a few wall-ups or stretches on your balcony. You’ll sleep better too. 30 minutes in the evening on my exercise bike gives me a feeling of accomplishment, an endorphin high and I burn those Finnish chocolate calories.
Focus on finding ways to have fun. Have lunch with a friend. Virtually, if needed. Try a new board game. Play with your pet. Play a friendly trick on someone you love. Listen to music that makes you happy. Whatever works.
Integrate a least two of these simple solutions into your routine, at home, alone or as a team.
In my native Finland we have a concept called Sisu- it basically means stoic determination, grit and tenacity. To not give up even if the odds seem stacked against you. We all have Finnish Sisu. Tap into your inner well of strength. Not to push yourself into exhaustion, but to nurture your mind, body and spirit. You are stronger than you think – but don’t go at life’s challenges alone.
Resilience needs company to grow. You listen to this and other inspiration coaching topics on my YouTube Channel here
