2013. Another great year. Full of expectations and pressure. That's life, right? We are all going somewhere with a goal or purpose. Here's what I learned...under pressure.
1. Character - under enormous pressure, the world sees who you are via what you say what you do. Not only that, it's how you say it and how you do it. It can be said that actions speak louder than words but communication is how we exist cooperatively so what you say and how you say it can be just as important. Just as Captain Sullenberger told the flight tower he was "unable" to return US Airways Flight 1549 to LaGuardia before landing in the Hudson River in January 2009, what he said and what he didn't say were paramount to the ultimate survival to the crew and passengers that day. Intense training prepares you for moments when you must react in a pre-programmed and instinctive manner to help others.
2. Awareness - when you are under a constant heavy burden of expectations and pressure, the world is still turning. You may be inundated with your focus, but don't forget there are still important people, events and milestones that shouldn't be forgotten. Stay aware and connected.
3. Reflection - look inside at who you are and know that you are doing this for a reason. Sometimes the reflection might not be clear, yet something inside you tells you it is right. They say, "Good judgment comes from experience but, unfortunately, the experience came from bad judgment." So very true. Your past experiences help motivate, inspire and drive you. But don't let them chain you down. In that context, many religious texts state,
"The present is the only moment you are truly alive."
and we all can appreciate another oldie but goodie,
"Yesterday is history, the future is a mystery, today is a gift - that's why they call it the present."
Use the past to drive your present and to dream and create the future. The only guarantee is right now. Don't forget that.
4. Definition - as you arise each day, you are molding your future. Bamboo trees grow roots for 4 to 5 years before rising above ground. Bamboo roots are so strong once the tree sprouts above ground that they are heralded as strong, durable and sustainable. That's the same thing you are doing when you take on a special project, mission or goal in this life. You may be unseen for awhile, but that is because you are planting and growing those future roots.
5. Control - under pressure and duress, you yearn to be in control. To a degree, you can be organized and relieve some of the stresses. Let's face it, you can do your best with what you have every waking hour - but the ultimate control of things is not in your hands. Whoever you receive your faith from, you can translate "Let go and let God" into whatever works for you. So true, so simple and yet so powerful.
6. Mindset - pressure and stress are influenced by external forces but is mostly internally created and sustained. You have the power to influence how you feel, when you feel it and how to manage it. I read somewhere about having "appropriate fear" every time you go into a test or exam. This is so true for pressure as well. Pressure can be imagined as large boulders floating down a river - they look imposing and intimidating coming at you but then fade into the distance once they pass. Appreciate the pressure but don't let it consume you. Your positive "self-talk" is what is going to push you over the mountains. Stay optimistic. Stay positive. Yes, you can.
7. Purpose - we all have a purpose in life. The moments when we define, question and shape our callings in life are always in flux. Under stress and pressure, you question everything - and frequently for that matter. It's ok to not have the energy. It's ok to admit you don't have it in you at that moment. It's ok to just get by. It's ok to think maybe this isn't for you. It's ok to talk to your family and friends about your absent life because of your choices. But it's NOT ok to quit. Never, ever, quit. Never.
8. Chunking - small things matter. So take the never ending tasks in front of you and break them down into manageable pieces. Then start going through them until it's done. Yes, get the big stuff. Agree to don't sweat the small stuff, but don't forget it, either. The small stuff does matter.
9. Time - it is said you can tell a lot about someone on where they spend their time and where they spend their money. Money is our currency and energy that comes and goes in life. Sure, it's important. But under heavy pressure, there is no greater resource than time. Time is so fleeting that every moment counts. It is like the Golden Goose of resources. Do everything with a love of life and the wonderful people on this earth. With time, you can influence, change and inspire lives. I've always appreciated how vital time is, but the last year elevated it to a whole new level. Don't waste your time. Don't waste others' time. Use time to do good.
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails." -Henry David Thoreau
Happy holidays, many blessings, and here's to a prosperous 2014!
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