Have you ever broken a board with your bare hands?
You know, the kind you see them do in martial arts class?
Years ago, when I lived in Asheville, NC, I attended a seminar put on by Tony Robbins’ company and at the end of a very long but inspiring day, they psyched us up to break a board.
I remember talking to my husband in the crowded room and saying “Do you think you can do it?” and he answered “I don’t know. That board is pretty thick!” and we both laughed nervously. And then one by one, they coached us through the process and we both effortlessly sent our hands flying through the board.
I still keep mine on my book case as a reminder that I can do seemingly impossible things.
The biggest lesson I learned from that experience is this: Look Beyond the Board.
They coached us through the physical aspects of our stance and taught us how to position the heel of our hand as it made contact with the board.
But the most critical tip was to sharpen your mental focus and keep your eye riveted on the chest of the person who was holding the board for you.
The idea was to NOT focus on the big obstacle. (The solid quarter inch thick piece of plywood!) The idea was to look Beyond the Board. On where we wanted our hand to land after we broke the board.
I share this story and this concept with my coaching clients a lot. Especially if they are starting or growing a business. I talk to them about the big vision they have for their dreams.
Often they want to talk about the problems and the challenges and the things they lie awake worrying about at night. (sound familiar?)
And I gently redirect them to look at the bigger vision. Focus on what it’s going to look like, feel like, sound like, smell like and taste like once they’ve created the business of their dreams.
So what does this have to do with self-care you may be asking?
“Look Beyond the Board” when it comes to your self-care.
Stop focusing on the facts, the obstacles and the excuses (which are seemingly impossible to overcome, right?)
– You are tired All.The.Time.
– Your kids need you. Your partner needs you. Your elderly parents need you.
– You have several projects and multiple deadlines to meet at work.
– The house is a wreck. Your car hasn’t been washed in weeks. You have bills to pay. Going to the grocery store is the last thing you want to do.
Start focusing on how your life improves once you practice smart, sustainable self-care on a regular basis.
– You have more energy and enthusiasm for life.
– You are more patient with other people. And kinder, too.
– You are happier and more joyful.
– You have a clear mind which translates to increased productivity.
Revitalized Actions:
1. Pull out your journal and take ten minutes to answer the following: “When I practice smart self-care, I feel….” And fill in the blanks with all of the positive results of a solid self-care practice.
2. Then, take another ten minutes and brainstorm a list of 10-20 things you’d love to do to support your smart self-care.
3. Lastly, pull out your calendar and schedule in 2-3 of those items in the next month. Let me know how it goes in the comments below!