Who’s in control?

A psychologist in the 1950s coined the term “locus of control”, which identifies the difference (internal or external locus) in whether we perceive to be in control of our lives, or outside forces are controlling us. We can change our own perception to notice how much of our lives we are able to architect, despite (or even because of) external forces out of our control. Not surprisingly, those with an internal locus of control are consistently happier, less stressed, more productive, and more fulfilled than those who believe that they are victims to outside forces.

You first

Not only is putting yourself first healthy, it’s the only way to remain resilient enough to be of service to others.

For those in a rough place who feel guilty about putting themselves first in terms of  emotional well-being, financial situation, or energy, ask yourself this: would you wish on someone you love that they live life feeling exactly how you do?

Always do your best

Always do your best. Simple to the point of being trivial. This is the fourth of the “Four Agreements.” When I conduct a keynote session, I ask the audience to raise their hands as high as they can. Then I ask them to raise them even higher. You can probably guess what happens – magically they do raise them higher. Hmmmmm. It takers a just a moment of thought to assess our own effort level. Did you really do your best with that project, that conversation, that partnership, that work product? Effort and progress over perfection. Do your best. You are more powerful than you know.