We made it to August!
Soon, a new season will be upon us. School has already started in many states, and several people will be taking the opportunity to start over in various areas of their lives.
It's time for us to take full advantage of the season by not only aspiring, but actively working to better ourselves.
Wondering how to start? ShaunaSoul will tell you how!
Be open-minded - Many of us have been raised to believe in the same things that our parents were raised to believe in by theirs. This gives us a very narrow and limited worldview. As we meet new people, visit new places, and generally live our lives, we will be met with beliefs and ways of life that differ from our own. Don't be afraid to challenge ideas that you grew up believing. You may find that they are actually hindering you from being the best version of yourself. It's also important to take the time to discern whether or not the new things you're learning truly align with who you are and who you want to be. One of the ways you can do this is to...
Practice mindfulness and meditation - In today's world it can be so easy to just get up and go without making time for ourselves. When you wake up, take a few minutes to be in the moment. Focus on how you feel, what do you notice around you? Be aware of your surroundings for a moment, no matter how familiar they may be to be to you. Then, meditate on your goals for the day, your goals for your life, what you're already doing to achieve them, and what you still need to do. This will also help you to...
Manage your expectations - As human beings, we tend to fantasize about what achieving our goal will look and feel like. We approach people and things for what we think they can be, instead of what they already are. When we meditate on our goals, we need to ask ourselves a few questions about them. "Is this a goal that still serves the person I am right now?" "Is the amount of time and resources that are going into this goal still worth it?" "Is my expectation for this goal in alignment with what I've been experiencing in my attempts to achieve it?"
4. Invest in your mental health - A very big part of living up to your full potential is taking the time to take care of your mental health. A growing number of people are suffering from anxiety and depression, some clinical. There are even conditions such as autism and ADHD that can stop you in your tracks completely if left undiagnosed and untreated. Black women in particular have a more difficult time getting diagnosed due to limited access, lack of sufficient insurance, and straight up not being believed. Fiercely advocating for yourself is the first step to taking care of your mental health. Seeking a therapist, convening with nature, and taking the time to do things that bring you joy are all valid next steps.
5. Identify and use your strengths - One of the most efficient ways to maximize your potential is to not only identify your strengths, but actually use them to your advantage. When you meditate in the morning, reflect on areas in your life that you excel at. You can even ask trusted friends, colleagues, and mentors to help you out. Many times we fail to realize how great we are. Imposter syndrome takes over. "Do I really deserve this praise?" "I didn't really do anything special." But you did! And it's time you've realized that. Take a chance on believing in yourself. Use those gifts you're being praised for in your daily life.
Comments