“Sometimes you’re the windshield. Sometimes you’re the bug.”
– Mary Chapin Carpenter
You may have seen me write about mindset before. My own “neuroagility” is a daily focus for me because it’s the number one tool in my proverbial leadership toolbox.
Yet, despite my best efforts, occasionally I have days where I am most definitely the bug.
Haters gonna hate, and life’s gonna get “lifey.”
On these days, I am more intentional about my wellbeing (diet, exercise, mindfulness, water intake, social interaction, etc.)
But the single biggest thing that consistently helps move me toward a better state of mind is…wait for it… reaching for the next best thought (NBT).
Let’s say your car breaks down at the most inopportune time, forcing you to completely rearrange your entire day while you sit and wait for a tow truck.
This would be enough to frustrate even the most Zen of us. Reaching for the NBT can help shift a taxing situation into a less stressful one.
Examples of NBTs might be:
➡️ “I’m so glad it’s a beautiful day and not snowing while I wait for a tow.”
➡️ “Thankfully, I can afford to pay for the car repairs.”
➡️ “Isn’t it great I broke down in a neighborhood vs. a busy freeway?”
You get the picture. It’s enough to move me to a better frame of mind and increased energy which will always yield better outcomes.
A deceptively simple practice with great results.
And if you like to geek out on mindset like I do, here’s a great podcast that I think is worth 49 minutes of your time (and a little less if you skip over the ads like I do.) 🙂
