Let’s make like Daniel Bedingfield – We’re gonna get through this. I am invoking that 90’s pop star sensation because it’s going round my head like mad right now.
The UK is going into another Lockdown. Not all Lockdowns are created equal, or consistent, but Lockdown is what we face. There is also the small matter of an election happening across the pond. By the time you read this, it could well be done (or embroiled in a legal battle from both sides).
We need our Bounce Back-ability in peak state right now.
Back to basics
In order to deal with the challenges we are facing, there is one crucial question I need to ask:
How are you at 14:48 on Tuesday?
That is at time of writing but you can insert the time and day as you read this. The practice of being very specific about this question is something I started with a beloved friend when she was going through a time of grief. Being specific made it more manageable to answer. How are you? is such a small question but potentially very overwhelming. As humans we are generally thinking 30 seconds in the past or the future but very rarely in the right now. How are you at 14:48 on Tuesday takes it right back to now. You will get a very efficient and truthful self-analysis if you consider it that way. Once you know where you are at, you can be better prepared to move forward.
Your Bounce Back-ability
Our capacity to get back up from difficulty is being tested to its limit. How we deal with stress, pressure and uncertainty is requiring a new level of mental resolve. Just when we think we have got it under control, the goal posts are moving and are as interchangeable as a staircase on an Escher painting.
I am hearing a lot of people questioning their purpose, or being totally overwhelmed, or unable to plan for the future or struggling with their own mental health whilst they protect the ones they love. Resilience, grit, mental toughness or any version of this label conjure various images. Right now – we just need to keep on keeping on, in our corner of the world.
How can you build up your Bounce Back-ability?
Like a muscle or a learned skill, resilience can be built up through a concerted effort. As with most things I talk about, there is no quick fix sugar rush solution. It is the result of being open to self-development and having the courage to make that your focus. I say courage because it’s not easy, but at the same time, it’s not hard.
1. Be honest with yourself at the how are you? question. Where are you right now? How will that effect the rest of you day? Allow yourself the time and space to feel whatever you are feeling in that moment.
2. Listen to others. You don’t need to give the solution, just listen.
3. Think about a time in your life where you overcame a challenge. What did you learn about yourself through that process?
4. Stretch yourself because you want to but don’t push yourself to panic mode. Do it because you want to, or don’t. That is your choice and guilt is a wasted emotion.
5. Time is precious, so spend it wisely. That will mean very different things to different people. You do you for what you need.
6. With parameters come great freedom – fall in love with your routine, it will love you back.
7. Set yourself shorter term goals and build in time to celebrate whatever they are. It’s all relative and you are in your own lane.
8. Meditate – I almost don’t want to write it because I fear the groans, but this really is a secret weapon your back pocket. (It changed my life, get in touch if you want to learn how)
9. Devote your energy to the things you have control over.
10. What is your favourite song? Move to it. As often as you can as energetically as you can.
Your response to set backs is how your narrative is written, and that response, is in your control.
Let’s make like Daniel Bedingfield – We’re gonna get through this.
Very best,
Natalie
PS I share this with a genuine hope and desire that it could help you in the same way it helped me.
PP.S Sometimes we just need a simple boost to get back on track. The Friday Orange is my weekly email with 3 thoughts to amplify your purpose and performance. Sign up to The Friday Orange.
If you liked it and would like more help to make a change in an area of your life then drop me a line. I would love to talk to you.
