How to Take One Step Closer to Happiness
December 8th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Recently I did something fun. I made a list of things that make me epically, fantastically, unquestionably blissful. Then, I promised myself that I would do one thing on that list every single day.
Since the day I created my list, I’ve only missed maybe one day (because I was sick). But I’ve noticed that instead of having any of those “icky-today-was-a-waste” days, I’ve felt like every day’s been complete.
I am by no means suggesting you can – or should – plan out perfect moments. Instead, I’m suggesting that if you feel like your day isn’t complete, are feeling “bleh”, or are simply restless, visit your “happy list” and take that next step to being a happier you.
For inspiration, some things on my list include:
- Make dinner while having a glass of wine and listening to jazz.
- Spend a night with girlfriends playing cards and laughing.
- Do a solid yoga session.
- Get dressed up and go out with friends at a jazz bar.
- Get dressed up and go…anywhere!
- Take a long, relaxing run.
- Check off a ton of items off my to-do list.
- Write something I feel good about.
- Have a really good conversation with a friend or family member.
- Make someone belly laugh.
- Belly laugh myself.
- Turn off the TV and read a great book.
What about you, what’s on your “happy list”?
3 Things Coaching College Cheerleading Has Taught Me
May 1st, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Those that know me professionally always seem to be shocked that I’m a cheerleading coach. Perhaps it’s because I’m not as blonde as I once was. Who knows.
I’ve been coaching for two years now – my first year, I was the Assistant coach and this past year, I was the head coach – at St. Joseph’s College of Maine.
Coaching, in general, teaches the coach just as much as the kids. At least, being on both sides, that’s what I’ve found. That said, there are 3 huge lessons I’ve learned by coaching.
1. You can still be yourself.
It was hard going from being on the team – even as a leader – to coaching the squad. I had to learn when to be tough and when to have fun with the girls. I think after two years I finally found the balance, but when I first started, I wasn’t myself. I was uptight, and didn’t feel comfortable joking with the team.
I’m goofy, it’s just how I am, so this year I think I was finally able to let the girls see that – at least a glimmer of it. But it’s really a life lesson, you see, because it’s like a lot of things in life: you need to stay true to who you are, no matter what.
2. You have to roll with the punches.
I used to be an uptight person. I still have some OCD in me, but a few years ago, I was admittedly even more uptight. I’ve learned – in thanks to those I’ve coached – that sometimes you just have to roll with things that life throws at you.
Whether it’s a girl who simply can’t be on the team anymore for completely legitimate reasons or another dramatic moment, rolling with life’s little moments and not letting them phase you can make all the difference.
3. At the end of the day, people can still surprise you.
As far as I’m concerned, I can read most people like a book: I can tell what type of person someone is moments after meeting them, and what level of drive they have in life after 10 minutes.
My cheerleaders may have their quirks, their bad days, but there will always be those moments that take my breath away.
This year, that moment came during competition. The girls didn’t have an overly wonderful attitude heading into competition – and it’s a long story as to why – but it all changed after they performed and I’ve never been so proud. Not only did they nail their routine, but they had awesome attitudes and were so pumped up for the following day when they could perform again.
My Fail-Proof Tip for Motivating and Succeeding
March 2nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
A few years ago, I read about a single thing you can do that could get you through anything. I mean anything. Any one thing you might be dreading or simply anxious about: a big presentation, a first day of work or school, a family reunion, a trip across the country, a workout at the gym, anything.
Ready for it?
Visualize yourself succeeding afterwards.
What does that look like? Maybe it’s visualizing yourself after a big presentation, getting applause and big congratulations of a job well done. Maybe it’s picturing yourself after a workout thinking I’m so glad I made myself go to the gym. Perhaps it’s thinking of yourself on the plane leaving from a big trip you were dreading feeling elated you went.
Regardless of the situation, I’ve found this trick to do wonders for my motivation and drive.
Think about it…don’t many of us imagine the worst that could happen? Failing miserably?
When I don’t want to go to the gym, I imagine myself afterwards being happy I went. When I’m nervous about a presentation, I imagine myself nailing it when I’ve finished.
You still have to put in the effort, but situations are far less daunting when you imagine them going perfectly.
