Have you thought about how to change your life for the better as we start to come out of COVID? Below are some ideas of how you can by Sid Madge of Meee (My Education Employment Enterprise) who specialises in branding, physchology, neuroscience, education and sociology.
“I’m a great believer in ‘micro-moments’, the ability to change our life in any moment and how to use these tiny manageable interventions to gain positive momentum – even when things are challenging. I’ve written three Meee in a Minute books, each offering 60 one-minute micro-ideas and insights that can help us to shift our perception in life, family and at work.â€Â Sid Madge of Mee (My Education Employment Enterprise)
Creating a better life
“The period of reflection and stillness that many of us have experienced during the pandemic has made us realise what is important and that we can make life better. As Covid recedes let’s focus on this and ask – what does better look like for you now?
Take a minute to consider your current situation. Imagine the pandemic is a distant memory – what is your ideal life like now? Forget about bold dreams and grand gestures, focus on the little things, the insights you’ve learned in this stillness about what makes you happy – go after more of that.â€
Flipping the switch – nudge yourself to the optimistic end of your range
“Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology suggests that pessimism is largely learned. Which means it can be unlearned. The key is through what he called ‘explanatory style’. This is the way we draw meaning from events and situations that we face. Those with learned helplessness, i.e., uber pessimism tend to see things as personal, pervasive and permanent. In other words, when things go wrong a pessimist will always assume that it’s their fault.
To take a simple example, a missed train is confirmation of their uselessness or spells the end of their relationship or may even lead to ill health. They let a small incident infect other areas of their life. And finally, whatever is wrong is permanent.
Whereas an optimist will do the opposite. A missed train is just a missed train, it has nothing to do with them personally. This might be a little delusional too if they were so busy talking to a friend, they didn’t see the train arrive at the platform but for an optimistic outlook not taking things personally is key. No spillage into other areas of life!
Flip the switch for a while. See every challenge as beyond your control, that is certainly true of Covid. That’s not to say you avoid responsibility, we all still need to do our bit and stay safe. If things are challenging in one part of your life, don’t allow that upset to seep into other areas. Instead, be grateful for all the things that are still working and are still going well. When we nudge our way to the optimistic end of our range, we will see more opportunity and we just feel better. “
Be guided by your Values
“Take a minute to visit the Meee website (www.meee.global) and take part in the values exercise – this will help you to identify what your values are. What’s most important to you in your life? Money? Family? Kindness? Honesty? What do you stand for? What are your ethics or code of conduct? Can you see evidence of these values in your life? For example, if you believe you value kindness, when did you last demonstrate kindness? If you really want to know what you value look at what you do. Use your values to keep you focused on what’s really important. “
Get involved and Stay connected.
Staying involved and connected as we transition out of Covid
“Maybe slip a note through a neighbour’s door to make sure they are OK. Can you do some shopping for someone who needs a little extra help? Pick up the phone and actually make a call. Not a WhatsApp or Instagram comment. Just call them. Have a chat.
Set up a quiz and get all your friends on it by Zoom. Now that we have a little more freedom, go for a walk, get out into nature. Whatever you do – reach out, get involved. We might not be able to do all the things we used to do quite yet but we can still talk and stay connected. Hugs are coming soon. Can’t wait!â€
Dial down your stress
“I know this is easier said than done but invest in selfcare, offer kindness and hope to yourself and others. Be gentle with yourself. Make sure you eat properly and get out into nature if you can. Do some form of exercise or activity a few times a week – it will help to discharge any stress you feel. Take some time to wind down – give meditation or yoga a go. There are loads of free resources online.â€
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sid Madge is founder of Meee (My Education Employment Enterprise) which draws on the best creativity and thinking from the worlds of branding, psychology, neuroscience, education and sociology, to help people achieve extraordinary lives.
To date, Meee has transformed the lives of over 20,000 people, from leaders of PLC’s and SME’s to parents, teachers, students, carers, the unemployed and prison inmates.
Sid Madge is also author of the ‘Meee in Minute’ series of books which each offer 60 ways to change your life, work-, or family-life in 60 seconds.
Web: www.meee.global
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