“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean
In times when there are changes, challenges, adversity, ambiguity, and unrest, it’s easy to get distracted, discouraged, or fearful. My leadership can falter, my effectiveness and contributions can diminish. Or, I can make a choice to navigate my path by holding a mindset that is positive, hopeful, encouraging, and joyful! This makes a tremendous difference in my journey as well as positively influencing those around me.
One of the intentions I committed to for 2016 was to live joyfully. This was an especially important intention this year as I walked through difficult, life altering times with close friends and family members. There were many times throughout the year where I found myself faltering under the weight of my circumstances. To stay the course of living joyfully, regardless of my circumstances, these are five key behaviors that I keep top of mind as I go through each day:
- Stay grounded in THE TRUTH – When I find myself moving away from my best self, I get back to the truth by taking some time to revisit the facts or get another’s perspective. My personal spiritual practices are also an integral part of this behavior and the others mentioned below.
- Choose a POSITIVE mindset – If I’m going to create a story, why not create one with a positive spin? Spend time with positive, optimistic people and always assume the best about others’ intent.
- Make meaningful CONNECTIONS with others – Take time and be present with the people who mean the most to me, don’t let the busyness of life crowd out conversations and connection. Be open to new relationships.
- Cultivate GRATITUDE each day – In the morning when I awake and in the evening before I sleep, acknowledge something for which or someone for whom I am grateful. Be aware throughout the day to show gratitude to others. Jesse Lyn Stoner recently posted about taking time to recognize what you appreciate.
- Have FUN – Remember to recreate, to play, to laugh – bring fun to work, to play, to conversations, and to have a light heart! Taking care of little ones or playing with my grand-dog helps!
These were posted at home and at work to remind me to maintain my focus to live joyfully. At the end of 2016, I asked for some feedback from those around me to see how I did and started thinking about my intention for 2017!
What challenges did you navigate in 2016? How did you do, what supported your success? What will you focus on in 2017 to strengthen your leadership?
And, in the spirit of cultivating gratitude, thanks to those of you who read, commented on, and shared our blogs in 2016! Happy New Year!
So helpful and timely! Today I discovered and purchased “The Book of Joy,” a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu about the same question you’ve explored here: “How do we live a life of joy in the face of adversity?”
Thanks, Carla!
Thank you, Sharon, for the book recommendation. I look forward to investigating!
Great read! Thanks for the piece!
Thanks for your support! Have a great day!
Carla, I always enjoy reading your posts..This one especially hits several key points..Truth sets us free (good or bad)..Our attitude is a choice and I personally would rather choose a positive one…takes a lot less energy in living life on a positive note! In turn helps us to appreciate life and people with a grateful heart! Thanks for the helpful insight!
Diane, Thanks for your note and YOUR insights! I agree that it does take less energy living life on a positive note; it certainly fills my tank with more positive energy which causes me to be more effective and joyful in all that I do.
Have a great 2017!
what a great piece you have written
the 5 fundamentals are so grounded and on point
thx for modeling the way
Charlie,
Thank you for taking the time to comment and for your investment in this leadership work!
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Thank you for your comment; I’m so pleased you gained something from it!