Every year I keep a running list in the Idea cabinet of the lessons or insights I have had shared with me or I've realized over the year. Here is the list for 2023
Always pack books when you go on a trip. Take more than you think you can read. You can mix up what you read, share them with other readers. Got an old book you want to regift? Leave it on the hotel bookshelf.
Selfcompassion.org - remember it - you'll find it helpful on your dark days
Find a tool to help you unlock your own unconscious wisdom.
Tarot
The Serendipity Engine (I made this one myself!)
Howwefeel.org: Put a name on your emotions!
Go to the library every now and again, find the poetry section, chose a volume at random and read a few to yourself
Travelling? Tag your checked bags with stickers, ribbons or some other unique identifier - and check the tag when you take the bag of the carousel!
Volunteer in your community, even better, offer support to other volunteers (ever thought about who cheers the cheerleaders?)
If family member, friend, colleague even a stranger looks nice (hair, clothes, smile) tell them - pay them a compliment
Instead of asking "how are you?" ask "how's your heart" and see the difference in response
Food is medicine. I am not a doctor, but I do know what I eat directly correlates to my mood and energy levels. Research that relationship, you'll be amazed
Relating to the above. Whatever you eat, wait 2 hours and see how it makes you feel - energetic? Lethargic?
Naps should come in 2 durations - up to 30 minutes or 90 minutes (there is science and sleep cycle data behind those two numbers) both will leave you feeling rested
The best questions in the world count for nothing if you are not listening to the answer
Try the Slow Radio BBC podcast (it's on Spotify) for the sounds of wind, water, birds, cityscapes and more. A wonderful selection of audio wallpaper to punctuate your work day!
Take a day once or twice a year to be a tourist in your own city. Have breakfast in a fancy hotel, take a tour, go to the top of a big building or see the waterfall or visit the most popular gallery
Build a habit in 5 days https://tinyhabits.com/
When you read a book, reflect on what you read at the end of each chapter and take notes on what stands out for you. After that, look for ways to apply what you've read and (stretch goal) try and explain / teach / discuss what you've read with a colleague, friend.
Block your calendar for the things you need to get done - personally and professionally. Each acts as a reminder and creates a space for you to get sh!t done
Building on the above, invest in yourself. Take a class, build a product, grow a side hustle, but keep on learning
Travelling? Carry photos of all your important documents (passport, driver's license, other ID, visa, vaccination certificates etc.) Bonus suggestion - take photos of your checked baggage too
Learn a few quotes - choose the ones that resonate with you. They might be a line from a poet or sonnet, a lyric by your favorite artist or a pithy phrase from a thinker, philosopher, scientist or entertainer. Each can punctuate and enliven a presentation or discussion. And the more you remember the better you get
Always listen attentively especially when you
think you know the answer
disagree with the point being made
dislike the person speaking
believe you know what the speaker is about to say
In your email, purge your subscriptions regularly - paid and unpaid. It's immensely satisfying and saves you cognitive load - and money - in the long term
You'll likely never go as fast as you expected on a project, but showing up every day gets you results
Listening to someone is one of the greatest gifts you can offer them
My inbox is not my to do list
Regularly pause and look back at what you've been working on, you'll be amazed at the progress you've made
Set a budget for self-development - it could be a financial commitment "X number of dollars for the year" or a time commitment "Y numbers of hours studying <insert subject>"
Take 5 minutes once a week to write a thank you note / email to someone your interact with who deserves recognition for what they do
Glimmers are the opposite of triggers. Start listing your glimmers and use them for a soft reset during your day should you need a boost
Repair is a great concept to learn and embody See more here (hint it's NOT just about parenting) Becky Kennedy: The single most important parenting strategy
Freeze a couple of dozen red or green grapes in your freezer. If you need to chill white wine that is too warm use 2-3 grapes instead of ice - avoiding diluting the time and leaving crunchy sweet snack at the bottom of every glass!
Feeling down? Set a timer on your phone for 2 minutes. Open the photo album on your phone and scroll through your pictures and videos until the timer goes off. How do you feel now?
Anytime you decide to use a free trial of an app or a website, you can cancel the trail immediately after signing up and still use the trial until the week / month / time period has ended!
Start your journal entry first thing in the morning and keep it with you all day to provide you a spot to note the ideas, inspirations and insights that occur to you as the day progresses