1-2-3 Sundays: Clarity, Intent & Compassion

1 Theme

Intent

I needed that holiday.

By the time I finished up before heading off, I felt like I was losing sight of the goals I'd set myself. Some of my standards probably weren't where I'd like them to be, making me feel like I wasn't getting the results I wanted personally and professionally.

Two weeks of removing myself from these situations allowed me to relax my mind and focus on being present while enjoying my holiday.

Coming back to work this week, I felt a new sense of intent.

I walked into the office on Monday, motivated to do my best work. This continued throughout the week. I prioritised planning out my days and what needed to be done.

A simple to-do list with each item given a number relating to its priority. I could get the big tasks ticked off before making my way to the smaller, easier-to-complete ones.

It's not only at work I've felt this.

I've been meditating for 10 minutes each morning before going to the gym. I do feel calmer during the day however it's hard to say whether that's down to being off for 2 weeks or the meditation each morning.

Reminding myself of what I want to achieve has also played its part in my newfound intent. When motivation is low, being able to review your goals is sometimes enough to give you the boost you need.

2 Positive Outcomes

Clarity of Mind

Along with the intent in my work, I've felt a clarity different to previous experiences.

There was a sharpness in the smells in the office. I had that feeling of novelty in your stomach when you start a new job - maybe I had lowered my tolerance to everyday experiences.

In a strange way, this motivated me this week. I rode the inspiration. I asked good questions and was thorough in my thought process.

To me, this shows the power of taking time off.

Routine

I'm a creature of habit so it was nice to get into a routine.

My weekday mornings look like the following:

5.30 am - Wake Up, 1 litre of water, get dressed
5:40 am - 10-minute meditation
5:50 am - pack bag and leave
6:30 - 8:00 am - gym or run depending on the day
~8:15 am - Start work

3 Things I've Learned

Compassion is Necessary

You've gathered good momentum.

You're feeling motivated.

Your energy is through the roof every morning.

But then one day, you wake up feeling sick.

The pressure of making decisions about whether to go to work, miss a workout or cancel an event begins to weigh on your shoulders.

The more and more you think about it, the worse the decision seems.

You have to be able to show yourself compassion.

There's no point going to the gym if you're coughing constantly with a blocked nose. It's beneficial to take the time to rest and recover before it gets worse.

Maintaining high standards and showing yourself compassion is possible - it's necessary for sustainable growth.

Mediterranean Culture

We went to Rethymno in Crete.

It's a beautiful city in the north of Crete with a Venetian-style old town and harbour. The narrow streets protect you from the warm sun. 10 minutes walk from our hotel was the beach.

It was so laid back.

People sitting drinking coffee with each other chatting or listening to music.

Everyone seemed happy.

It's a drastic difference from Scotland (at times).

There seems to be a constant rush to do more and more, to work more hours. The cost of living crisis certainly doesn't help.

Immersing myself in different cultures is one of my favourite ways to then review my life culture and lifestyle. It makes me wonder what I can learn from them and apply in my own life.

How To Be Very Chilled

Lying on a Balinese bed in Tenerife.

A glass of Sangria beside you.

The DJ playing chilled house tunes.

Before you go...

I'm running the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon on October 2nd (2 weeks from now) for the Beatson Cancer Charity.