Finding the wind is essential to sailing. Without wind — the boat’s natural engine — your sails begin to luff.
Similarly, in our careers, without motivation — the human’s natural engine — our energy droops.
In sailing, when this happens, we start looking for wind. This means scoping out wind ripples on the water and navigating toward it.
Careers that start luffing require the same initiative. Without it, your career begins to stagnate. What are your sources of wind? Following are five energy sources, those ripples in the water, that will help power up your motivation, and ultimately, your career.
1. Positive people: In the midst of optimistic people, it is only natural to absorb their confidence, buoying your attitude. Similarly, steer yourself away from the negative Nellies to ensure your attitude stays on course.
2. Cardio Exercise: One of my favorites, cardiovascular/aerobic exercise (running/jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, working out to a DVD cardio program or pumping iron) is energy-generating. Your mood lifts and your ability to process problems and build solutions jumps.
3. New Resume: Partner with a writer to tell your professional story. As my friend, Ellie Mixter-Keller (@EllKell) says, a professionally crafted resume “will arm you with pride and confidence.”
4. A Nourishing Book. When is the last time you picked up a book or ordered a new download for your Kindle or Nook? Search out books that pump up your emotions and your intellect. Take time to unearth inspiring, mind-expanding works of word art that will help you view things from a different perspective. A new perspective often imbues your initiative, compelling momentum.
5. Family and Friends. Carve time to just ‘be’ with your family and friends. Toss out the agenda, and simply hang out at your home, in a restaurant, at the lake, at the park. Sip a cool drink, tantalize the taste buds with a lovely fruit salad or juicy hamburger. Be with people who listen and laugh. Experience the corners of your lips naturally lifting into a smile.
If your spirit and vigor are luffing, consider the above basic tips to help you find new wind. You may be surprised at how the smallest ripple can trigger the largest mood-lifting result. And with that, a better attitude emerges, setting you sailing into a more productive workday, and career!
Hi Jacqui,
As always, your posts are most inspiring.
I love all your suggestions about how to invigorate your career wind from spending time with positive people (they can help motivate/encourage you), to exercising (this reminds me of my recent post on willpower and how Kelly McGonigal shared starting physical activity as being having a powerful positive ripple effect on one’s life) to working with a professional writer on your resume (to help you highlight your strengths in the best way possible) to wonderful self-care activities such as reading a nourishing book and spending time with friends and family.
I suspect that if one just does point number 2 (exercise) or 3 (work with a writer) one will have shifted the sail on that career boat… and who knows where that boat may take you!
Hello Dorlee,
As you know, I was particularly drawn to your recent post on willpower. It is a profound example of exercise’s value! (For interested readers, Dorlee’s excellent post can be found here: http://bit.ly/X1IOJQ).
I love your closing remark, including the ‘shifted the sail’ reference. You’re absolutely right, “Who knows where that boat may take you!”
Jacqui
Jacqui,
As I read this post, I recall my windsurfing days. How finding and riding the wind, also included finding balance – learning how and where to stand, to get the most out of the ride. Balance is exactly what you are advocating here in this post.
If I was over-tired, my ability to windsurf well quickly diminished. Ensuring adequate rest is an equally important part of the experience.
This post also reminds me of the movie Chocolat, where the blowing winds signified a change. Thanks for the two good memories that serve as excellent stress undressers!
Warmly,
Marianna
Marianna,
A terrific memory you have shared here – a descriptively resonating story of your windsurfing days. YES – you’re spot on about the message of ‘balance.’
And the idea of ‘rest’ – that would have been an excellent 6th bullet in this post.
Finally, what a neat reference to Chocolat – thank you for extending the conversation so creatively!
Jacqui