We already have all the resources we ultimately need. We might not always be aware of them though.
No matter what you're up against, within you already are the resources to master it/figure it out/overcome it. The curiosity and flexibility will help you move forward and find your answers.
This implies being open to doing things differently than you've done them before.
Specifically, if you're looking to be more productive and effective, you may be thinking you need to hustle more, rush around and multitask at 100mph, but that feels incredibly stressful and manic. And chronic stress actually shuts down your creativity and higher brain functions.
Instead, I propose that you can be productive in a balanced, not hustling and stressed way, but instead feeling calm, centred, even joyful.
What if I told you that this calm-centred-joyful state, which would likely help you be more productive, is available to you at all times?
Well, try this little thing with me.
Think of the last time something or someone upset you, angered you or just really frustrated you. Bring back the memory and all the details you can remember - what happened and how were you feeling? How are you feeling right now?
Now think of a time you felt really happy, on top of the world. Remember it vividly, bring to mind all the details of that experience, really re-live it...
Where were you, what were you doing, what were you or others saying, how were you feeling? And how are you feeling right now?
You probably noticed that just by thinking of different experiences in your life, your state completely shifted in a very short time. This is because our internal states are created from within us, so they are always there, available to us.
And we can tap into those desired states by directing our focus.
The next time you're feeling stress or anxiety or any other discomfort as you're going about your task, allow yourself to *notice* the undercurrent of joy, calm, centredness.
To do this, it first takes softening your focus - as easy to do as when you look at a physical object. When you're focusing on something at close distance and then you let your focus soften, to take in more of the view with your peripheral vision, you take in more information, you broaden your perspective.
When you've consciously expanded your (visual) awareness, the thing right in front of you suddenly has less grip on you.
Similarly, when we're in the midst of a task that is stressing us out, discomfort feels like that zoomed in object right in front of us. You can consciously allow your focus to soften in order to tap into that undercurrent of calm, joy and centredness, or whatever it is YOU wish to experience whilst being productive. It might be enthusiasm, or excitement.
Instead of getting more and more stressed, just imagine you're letting go of the stress, and direct your focus onto that undercurrent of calm-joy-centred feeling.
Try this the next time you find yourself not enjoying a task, and notice the difference.
The power of focusing our attention is immense, so it's crucial we're able to shift our focus at will rather than be at the effect of what's right in front of us, "demanding" our attention.
There's always distractions, and unconstructive attention drains (fears and doubts, self-sabotage, external circumstances), so being at the wheel of your focus is a very empowering and productive place to be.
It's a practice, that over time will strengthen your 'conscious living' muscles. And you will have more freedom and personal power as a result.
Try it and let me know how it goes for you!
If you'd like help to master your focus and be more productive whilst remaining balanced, I'd love to talk to you. Book a call with me below.
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