Each day we are different from the day before. We can even fluctuate throughout the day. This fact is often overlooked when we have expectations of ourselves and others. Take for example, our energy level. Our energy and mental acuity often fluctuate based on sleep, nutrition, wellness, and emotions. Some nights, we may get a great night sleep so we wake up ready to go. Other nights, we many not sleep well at all. If we hold our expectations of ourselves constant we will fall short. We know we are not as productive when we have not slept yet many of us expect to do the same amount of work, in the same amount of time, with the same level of quality. When we don’t meet our expectations many of us start to beat ourselves up mentally. This vicious cycle does not serve anyone well.
Borrowing a tool from folks in 12 step recovery programs; we can use the acronym H.A.L.T. H.A.L.T stands for Hungry Angry Lonely Tired. I may also add sick. This acronym can remind us to check in with ourselves when we start to feel disappointed with our performance. If we are experiencing any of these consider taking care of yourself before continuing your task. Remind yourself that you are human so you will have great, good, not as productive and bad days. Loving and caring for ourselves first is always a good course of action.
I finally watched the Movie The Shift in full, by Wayne Dyer. It really opened my eyes to a lot of things in my life. I have had no expectations on myself this week and it has helped me be much calmer and positive. When I got sick this week I just accepted it as my illness. I knew I will be ok. I made it through the day. I am a work in progress and my life is going through a shift to the next step, whatever that may be.