The Purpose Checkup

Greetings all!

Do you ever wonder what your purpose in life is? Have you discovered your unique gift? 

Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/cmichel67/46216793474

Take this Purpose Checkup from the BLUE ZONES^® to help you unlock your purpose and figure out the “having,” the “doing,” and the “being” aspects of your life.

Read each statement carefully and take a few moments to decide on a true response for yourself. Then write the number that most nearly reflects that response. The answers offer the following range of responses:

0.  Can’t Decide.
1.  Definitely disagree.
2.  Somewhat disagree.
3.  Somewhat agree.
4.  Definitely agree.

Having (Outer Life)

___ I wake up energized about the day ahead.
___ I feel good about my life and grateful for what I have.
___ I have taken risks to do things I care about.
___ I have found ways to offer my gifts and talents to the world.
___ I’m excited and hopeful about the future.
___ I don’t have many regrets about things I haven’t done.
___ I go to sleep at night feeling that my day was well lived.
___ Total Having Score

Doing (Inner Life)

___ Doing things for others is important to me and I make time for it.
___ When I have key decisions to make, I focus on what deeply matters to me and let that be my guide.
___ I enjoy being alone.
___ I know what I’m good at and I use my gifts to make a difference in people’s lives.
___ I have the courage to face my adversities.
___ I’m growing and giving.
___ I maintain a balance of saving and savoring the world.
___ Total Doing Score

Being (Spiritual Life)

___ I sense the presence of a Higher Power.
___ I maintain a consistent spiritual practice.
___ I feel a sense of the sacred when I’m in the natural world.
___ I offer compassion to others readily.
___ I offer forgiveness to others easily.
___ I feel a deep sense of gratitude for my life.
___ I know what I’d like to be remembered for.
___ Total Being Score

___ Total Purpose Checkup score

Interpretation

Having (Outer Life) – The dimension of your external experience and activity—how effectively you relate to the “having” choices in your life.

Doing (Inner Life) – The dimension of your internal experience and inner activity—how effectively you relate to the “doing” choices in your life.

Being (Spiritual Life) – The dimension of your invisible experience and spiritual activity—how effectively you relate to the “being” choices in your life.

Scoring

Your score in each section is one measure of your development in that dimension. Your total Purpose Checkup score (out of 84) gives a measure of the power of purpose you are experiencing in your life at present. 

64 – 84  Yes, living purposefully! You’re clear about what truly matters to you and you’re mattering in the world.

43 – 63  Yes, basically fulfilled! Keep on growing and giving in your life.

22 – 42  Unlocking purpose requires more clarity. The next step: Clarify your gifts, passions, and values.

21 – 0  Living purposefully isn’t reserved for the elite few. So, don’t give up because your score right now is low. The power of purpose process works, if you work the process!

SOURCE:

https://www.bluezones.com/the-purpose-checkup-2/

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14 Ways to Improve Your Self-Discipline

Greetings all!

I recently read a great article that said, “Self-discipline is not luck. It’s a matter of planning, taking action and asking for help." 

Image from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jiposhy/12055602675

The author provides 14 doable tips to boost your willpower - and they are all backed by scientific research! Here they are:

PLAN FOR SUCCESS AND…

1. Start on a Monday - 

Setting a date or event to mark the start of a new regimen can make you more likely to follow through on your goals.

MY NOTE: I would also like for that Monday to fall on the first of the month - but that happens very rarely so do not wait till then!

2. Write down your reasons for self-discipline - 

Affirmations strengthen self-control by focusing on higher values rather than on immediate impulses.

3. Visualize how you will benefit from your efforts - 

Your willpower lasts longer if you motivate yourself with the positive effects of self-control.

4. Prepare a plan of what you’ll say and do if the temptation arises - 

This is a proven technique taken from self-regulation strategies. For example, “If someone offers me dessert, then I’ll ask for fruit.”
MY NOTE: Does it mean I should refuse a chocolate-covered strawberry? 

Image from https://brightdrops.com/funny-life-quotes

5. Combine something you want to do with something you need to do - 

This forms good habits by pairing a “should” behavior (walking the dog) with a “want” behavior (gossiping with a friend).

6. Hide temptations in hard to reach places - 

Hiding candy from view makes you more likely to resist in indulging.

MY NOTE: This does work!!

7. Set an alarm for bedtime to get a full eight-hours of sleep - 

Sleep deprivation can impair the way your prefrontal complex works, which is the part of your brain where self-regulation takes place.

MY NOTE: I am a big fan of this!!

8. Ask friends to keep an eye out for bad habits you fall easily into - 

You are better at self-control when given repeated reminders.

MY NOTE: Something to remember during the next get-together!

WHEN TEMPTATION ARISES…

9. Weigh all your options before making a decision - 

Making an instant decision can result in poorer choices.

10. Drink hot water, lemon, and a tablespoon of honey - 

A fall in willpower can be tied to lower glucose levels.

MY NOTE: This one surprised me!

11. Avoid drinking alcohol - 

Alcohol can compromise self-discipline by reducing your ability to reflect on the consequences of your actions.

12. Use visual reminders - 

Leaving meaningful cues around your home can remind you to stay strong.

MY NOTE: However, be careful about leaving your exercise equipment in the middle of the room where you can easily trip over it!

13. Surround yourself with self-disciplined people - 

Undisciplined people wishing to improve gravitate towards people with more self-control – these people can form an effective support group.

AND REMEMBER…

14. Make sure your self-discipline is for you and not someone else - 

Your willpower is depleted when you try to please others instead of focusing on your own goals and desires.

SOURCE:

https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/14-ways-to-improve-your-self-discipline

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Fight Your Silent Killer

Greetings all!

Did you know that 85% of primary care doctor visits might be due to stress-related causes? Stress is often referred to as the silent killer, and it can manifest in actual physical symptoms.

Image and tips from https://www.bluezones.com/2012/03/maximize-health-and-longevity-using-these-stress-management-strategies/

Here are several tips from the BLUE ZONES^® that might help you fight the stress in your life:

Tip 1: Keep a Daily Stress Journal

This will help identify how much stress you are under, potential stress triggers, and ways to reduce stress in your life. Take 15 minutes a day to describe any event that caused you to become stressed and any resulting emotional or physical response. Over time, you will be able to identify patterns, which will help you develop healthy management strategies.

MY NOTE: This makes sense to me! If you can measure it, you can devise the ways to manage it!

Tip 2: Learn To Say ‘No’ When You Have Too Many Activities in Your Schedule

Saying no when you are reaching your limit can be very empowering! People will respect your boundaries and be more appreciative of your time when you do agree to take on a favor or additional responsibility. Be firm but polite. Practice saying “no” in the mirror to gain confidence!

MY NOTE: I agree! Often, we are reluctant to say ‘No' but if we are stressed and unhappy, can we really help others?

Tip 3: Drink Water

This may surprise you, but keeping your body hydrated will help you feel better, improve your mood and ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Your body produces the hormone cortisol in response to stress. Dehydration, even by levels as low as 17 oz (just over two glasses) increases cortisol levels in your body.

MY NOTE: This definitely surprised me! I was not aware of the link between dehydration and cortisol.

Tip 4: Eat Well

In addition to drinking water, pay attention to what you eat: Diets high in fiber and low in saturated fat have a positive effect on overall mood. B vitamins, especially folic acid (folate) and vitamin B12 are known to help prevent mood disorders, including depression.

I would also add Tip 5: Get Plenty of Sleep and Tip 6: Add Movement to Each Day!

  

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Are You Out of Your Mind?

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