In my recent podcast conversation with Mike Ford, founder of Grateful Lemon, I delved deep into the realms his journey of finding a new sense of purpose and direction in his life, after burnout hit him hard.
He discussed the importance of wellbeing and its link to performance and how he’s shifted his mindset and habits to prioritise personal energy. Mike emphasised the power of conscious thoughts, rewiring negative self-talk and practicing gratitude.
Here are ten key takeaways from our conversation:
Become conscious of your thoughts
Most of us live our lives on autopilot, with 90% of our actions being habitual and 60,000 thoughts a day, 90% of which are the same as the day before. The first step to change is to become aware of these thoughts without judgment and be curious about them.
Change your self-talk
The conversation you have with yourself in the mirror each morning is crucial. Often, it’s negative. Changing this self-talk can drastically improve your self-esteem and overall mood.
Prioritise sleep
Sleep is the foundation of good mental and physical health. Poor sleep affects everything from your mood to your productivity. Adopting a routine like the 3-2-1 method—no food three hours before bed, no work two hours before, and no blue light one hour before—can enhance your sleep quality.
Understand the power of choice
Between any stimulus and your response, there’s a choice. How you react to situations is entirely up to you. This understanding can empower you to make better decisions that positively impact your life.
Practice gratitude
Starting your day with a mindset of gratitude can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. When you focus on what you’re grateful for, you’re less likely to dwell on negative thoughts.
Develop keystone habits
Identify and develop keystone habits that will create a domino effect on other areas of your life. For many, this could be prioritising sleep, which leads to better eating habits, improved mood, and increased productivity.
Rewire your thoughts
Our thoughts are often shaped by past events and the stories we tell ourselves about them. By challenging and reframing these thoughts, you can create a more positive outlook on life.
Embrace conscious living
Becoming conscious in your daily activities, like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, can bring more awareness to your life and break the cycle of autopilot living.
Practice cold water immersion
Incorporating cold water immersion into your daily routine can boost your mental clarity and physical health. It's a practice that helps in building resilience and enhancing your well-being.
Reflect and celebrate small wins
Catch yourself when you’re about to react negatively and celebrate when you manage to respond positively instead. These small wins compound over time and significantly improve your overall mindset.
From the conversation with Mike, it’s clear that personal growth and well-being are deeply tied to our daily habits and the way we perceive and react to our thoughts. By becoming more conscious, prioritising sleep, practicing gratitude, and making mindful choices, we can significantly improve our mental and emotional health.
Remember, it's the consistent small steps that lead to significant long-term improvement and by adopting these practices, we can all work towards a more conscious, fulfilling and balanced life.
Listening to the full conversation:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music/Audible
YouTube
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