Rethinking how we craft our goals and outlook on life.
Happy New Year to everyone. It seems like the time for new beginnings, new year resolutions, and a sense that things are starting fresh. The other day, I found an interesting video that makes you think about how you craft your outlook for the coming year and possibly your goals. The premise of the video, which is about 12 minutes long, is there might be another way we need to approach how we look at being happy or trying to achieve happiness, which is more about finding meaning and focusing on the journey and less about the end result.
The speaker, Emily Esfahani Smith, describes what she has found based on her research, which she calls the 4 pillars:
- Belonging – being accepted for who you are and accepting others for who they are out of compassion
- Significance: Belonging is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. It fosters a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation, and promotes empathy and compassion.
- Impact: When individuals experience belonging, they are more likely to express their authentic selves, leading to increased creativity, collaboration, and overall satisfaction in relationships and communities.
- Purpose – Your “Why,” what drives you forward in life, why do you get up in the morning?
- Discovery: Finding one’s purpose often involves self-reflection, exploring personal values, and identifying activities that bring a sense of fulfillment and passion.
- Motivation: Purpose serves as a powerful motivator, guiding decisions and actions. It provides a sense of direction, helping individuals navigate challenges and setbacks with resilience.
- Transcendence – a feeling of connection to something greater than yourself
- Sources: Transcendent experiences can arise from spiritual practices, nature, art, or moments of profound insight. It often involves a shift in perspective beyond the individual self.
- Benefits: Transcendence has been linked to increased well-being, compassion, and a broader sense of meaning in life. It can offer solace during challenging times and foster a sense of unity with the world.
- Storytelling – your internal dialogue or self-talk
- Influence: Our internal narratives shape our perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. Positive self-talk can boost confidence and resilience, while negative narratives may contribute to self-doubt and anxiety.
- Transformation: Recognizing and reshaping negative storytelling patterns can lead to personal growth and empowerment. It involves cultivating self-awareness and fostering a more constructive and compassionate internal dialogue.
Now this might not be for you, or you already have your goals, either personal or professional, but it might be something that could help with a slight course correction that could help you enjoy this thing called life a little bit more.
Again, I hope everyone has a good start to the new year and that all is well.
Best, Adam
