Away or Toward?

I'm week one back and catching up on the emails and well wishes for the new year. In one message, I had this great response from one client that a team of them are channelling "plain sailing 2022". In light of the recent tsunami, I pondered that perhaps a better metaphor might be needed! After a few calls to people Monday, where the mood was completely despondent over current circumstances, I could feel the sense of dread and cynicism rise in me too.

Another year of this. It feels worse this time.
I'm so over it....yadda yadda, you get the picture.

No amount of pollyanna, positive thinking will fix where we may be right now. I reflected as I felt my focus being drawn to 'all that can go wrong' back to what I constantly talk about with clients.

Where your ATTENTION is and where your INTENTIONS lie is where you go. It is our wiring to keep ourselves safe and to mitigate risk, focusing on what we DON'T WANT. We can all get sucked into the vortex of negativity, complexity and overwhelm.

I realised that some plain sailing in 2022 ain't a bad focus. What are the expectations I can let go of, so I get out of my own way and allow a little more plain sailing to occur this year?

Too often, we get caught in the story playing out in our minds, as being our truth. It's tough right now and for many, just focusing one next step at a time, is the best decision we can make.

As you get started in your 2022, and the distractions of this pandemic come from all directions pulling you into an AWAY state; if you feel lost, over it or just plain exhausted; three simple things may help:

1. Notice where your ATTENTION is

2. Acknowledge how you are feeling and that you are human!

3. Reframe your focus back to the TOWARD state of where you want to head. One small step in front of you.

4. Rinse and repeat

I'm letting go of the expectation that I need to have everything perfectly set up this week, falling back into the mode of go, go, go. Instead, I'm acknowledging the frustration of running a business in this environment and focusing on where I can best serve others right now and stay connected. What do they really need, being realistic and optimistic in the process? Focusing TOWARD this serves me and others better, calming things in my busy mind so I can navigate challenges that need creative solutions right now.

I'm curious. What is the one decision that will help you with a little more plain sailing in 2022?