Engineered to Perform: Practices to thrive in uncertain times

Engineered to Perform: Practices to thrive in uncertain times

We are currently living in a time of change and uncertainty never seen before by most who are currently alive. Times like this have the power to reduce us to being in survival mode, however this can also be a time of transformation if one so chooses it.

It took me a while to write this, because that fearing, doubting part that exists in us all, has been questioning what right I have to write about anything relating to perform and thrive in such challenging times. I’m grateful for it, because it took me back to my mission, which I will discuss
Just in case you’re wondering, here is an excerpt of what mission is:

“…To continuously seek the most powerful and authentic expression of self, by researching, exploring, learning, teaching and mastering the arts and skills related to development of human potential…”

With this in mind, here are the practices that I am using to maintain a state of faith, resilience and purpose.

If you’re wanting the summarized version scroll right to the end.

1. Know your highest values

It was the Greek Philosopher Socrates who said “Know thyself”. Something to add is to know that which you truly value most.

Why is this important? Simply because we are designed to be most resilient, innovative and resourceful when doing things we feel are most aligned to our highest values. Our values are the lens through which we view the world.

If you are unsure of what you value most here is tool that can be used to help determine them:

https://drdemartini.com/what-are-values/demartini-value-determination/

2. A Daily Primer

This is used at the start of my day to energize me and get me going. It can be anything uplifting from prayer, music, reading, a cup of coffee and so on. If you need help getting started, use an app like ‘Insight Timer’ to help.

Here’s an example by Tim Ferriss, a lifestyle design influencer:

https://tim.blog/2015/09/18/5-morning-rituals/

For me it is a collection of music and videos that inspire me and remind of my mission and purpose, essentially my “Why”. Just to note, if you aren’t sure why you’re doing something, this needs to be addressed first. As Simon Sinek says: “Start with why.” His Ted Talk on this can be found here:

https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en

Below is the link to my YouTube Primer list:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt-It_R1ah8ueZUWR0E3kJK5ExQhT4GXf

3. Breathe, just breathe.

Remind yourself to take deep breaths frequently. It might seem trivial, however directing awareness to your breath has a powerful effect. Deeper and slower breathing cultivates more resourceful mental and emotional states as well as contributing to promoting your physical wellbeing. When everything else seems out of control remember that you have the power to control your breath.

I use a technique known as the Wim Hof Method, which studies show has the ability to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation, amongst other things. A free mini class can be found here:

https://www.wimhofmethod.com/free-mini-class

4. Keep moving

Our species was designed to move in order to stay healthy. There is a mind-body connection which means that getting stuck in the body translates to the mind and vice-versa.

Adopt some sort of movement practice whether it may be running, skipping, tai chi, yoga or anything that allows you to get the blood flowing and body moving. The amount of fitness apps and videos online have exploded, just in case you aren’t sure where to start.

This is especially important for those of us working behind a desk. Lack of movement, over time can lead to serious health issues. Attached is link to highlight the dangers of excessive sitting:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/the-dangers-of-sitting

My recommend to those that I teach yoga and mindfulness to, to adopt a routine that allows you wake up and stretch for around every 7 minutes for each hour that you are seated. Try to spend some time standing and working. This is over and above your movement practice (of course!)

5. The Practice of Gratitude (Count your blessings)

Invest time during the day to reflect on the people, moments and experiences that you can be grateful for. It can be something as little as noting the sense of warmth on your face from the sunshine. The practice of gratitude has powerful effects on our neurological processes, outlined by the article here:

https://www.mindful.org/what-the-brain-reveals-about-gratitude/

For me this is integrated this into a daily journaling practice. I find journaling to a superb way to find my centre, count my blessings and organize my thoughts and day.

6. Focus on what you feel most certain of being able to control

The world is currently in a corridor of uncertainty not seen for a while. When focussing on uncertainties we give away our power.

Where do you currently feel most empowered? What gives you most security? Start with these questions, use them as a power base and then expand from there.

My main power base is my circle of family and friends as well as my unwavering commitment to adding value to on a global scale.

Your breathing, spending habits and what you eat, these are all examples of what is within your locus of control to a great extent.

Here is something that performance guru Tony Robbins says regard to peak states:

https://www.tonyrobbins.com/stories/unleash-the-power/discover-your-peak-state/

7. Optimize

If anything these times have given us insight into excesses and deficiencies that we might be carrying around in all areas of our life. The financial ones might be the most obvious, however take this opportunity to evaluate the mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational and social areas. Take the time to revisit this regularly.

I am beginning to understand the power of the digital space in terms of connecting and influencing and as such will be devoting more focus to harnessing this medium to expand my locus of influence.

In summary:

As much as this time has caused much fear uncertainty it also represents the opportunity for each of us to transform and find our most powerful, courageous and authentic selves.

These are the practices that I have integrated into my life and you can too:

1. Getting to know your highest values:

https://drdemartini.com/what-are-values/demartini-value-determination/

2. Having a daily ritual to move you into a resourceful state:

https://tim.blog/2015/09/18/5-morning-rituals/

https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt-It_R1ah8ueZUWR0E3kJK5ExQhT4GXf

3. Becoming aware of your breath:

https://www.wimhofmethod.com/free-mini-class

4. Integrating a movement practice into your daily routine:

Running, skipping, yoga or tai chi, whichever it may be, just move!

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/the-dangers-of-sitting