3 Practices to Change Trajectory
Life always has trajectory. But sometimes it feels like your feet are tangled in the sheets.
We always live with feelings of “not yet” and “not there.”
Feeling defeated isn’t helpful when the present is disappointing.
3 Practices to Change Trajectory
#1. Add the word today.
Reflecting on the future is good for setting direction. Focusing on today is good for action.
Say, “What does winning look like, today?”
Decisions, habits, and changes are lived in the present.
Trajectory changes when you stop doing what you did yesterday.
#2. Eliminate ineffective practices.
It takes more courage to stop than it does to start.
Sunk costs shouldn’t affect decisions about the future. Time, energy, and spent resources are gone. Don’t let them shape today’s decisions.
Don’t be a victim of perseverance.
#3. Go to bed wondering, “What will I do different tomorrow?”
Plant seeds for your subconscious to play with at night.
End the day with forward-looking curiosity.
Read this article for more: Sleep to solve a problem – Harvard Health
Act Now
Action shifts trajectory.
Your future is shaped in the next 24 hours. Skip the five-year plan. Pick one move and make it today.
Which practice will you put into play today? Eliminate something that holds you back. Ask yourself a better question. End your day with tomorrow’s possibilities in mind.
What would you add to this list to make it even stronger?
What is the Easiest Way to Shift Trajectory Today
“An inherently fascinating, thoughtful and thought-provoking story in the form of an extended parable, The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership will have a special appeal and value for readers with an interest in definitions of success, issues of personal finance, as well as the value of motivation and leadership.”
—Midwest Book Review
It can be easy to slip into routine, blame the system, blame your boss, feel sorry for yourself. I know … I’ve experienced all those feelings from time to time.
It takes courage to reflect, consider maybe things to need to change, maybe I’m the one that needs to change things, and make it happen.
I’m in one of those phases now. Tonight I’m pondering what l will change in how I do things tomorrow and then reflect. Doesn’t need to be a massive move, just a tweak in how we think, react, relate can make all the difference.
Rob
Thanks, Rob. It does take courage to reflect. Trying new things can also challenge us, especially when we are already doing well.
“just a tweak,” — that’s it. We don’t need to look for dramatic change.
Very encouraging reflection to me.
This is so good, especially for those of us who are not goal setters. Adding the word “today” could be a game changer in a number of ways. And then asking what will I do different tomorrow. I like the bite-sized opportunities presented by these two practices.
Love your use of “bite-size.” Thanks, Pete.
“Feeling defeated isn’t helpful when the present is disappointing.”
Man, I needed that. Friday was a disappointing day for me. I ended my week feeling like a failure. So I took it slow this weekend and focused on things I needed to do each day. I walk back into this work week feeling a little more grounded. And this post hits my screen? Well, just perfect timing. 🙂
Thank you, SB. S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, said something like, “You can tell if someone needs encouragement simply if they are breathing.”
We carry burdens and so do the people around us. Steady on.
You are always lifting and coaching. Thank you for the reminder that everyone is carrying something and everyone benefits from encouragement. Smile, give a compliment, be kind, buy coffee, hold a door…so many little things can make a difference. Especially just feeling heard – SB hope this week is better. Remember someone you know looks up to you and knows how wonderful you are….I hope the weekend gave you space to remember all the good things you do.
I am in a job search right now………and I have opened my eyes (after this article) to the possibility I am viewed DIFFERENTLY than I perceive myself and my intentions. I am fearful my motives don’t mirror my persona and others’ perception of the REAL ME. Got some work to do methinks…….wish me luck
Know how we are perceived by the person across the table is a challenge. It also can be difficult when someone gives us feedback to actually believe them. For example, I think I’m a pussy cat. But, I’ve learned that I can seem pushy. It’s hard to hear.
I wish you well on your search.
I really like the idea of thinking what I can do right tomorrow instead of focusing on what went wrong today. I have a feeling that I will sleep much better tonight! Thank you for this article!
The magnetism of what went wrong is strong. Sleep well!