I had a birthday this weekend.
I can’t believe how time flies. Birthdays seem to come more quickly as you get older.
It makes sense, though, I suppose. When you were four, a birthday represented a quarter of your life. Now, a year represents a much smaller percentage.
While it’s not always pleasant getting older, it sure beats the alternative.
This year, I made a concerted effort to make strides toward being healthier, fit, and vital in mind, body, and spirit.
If you are going to live longer, your future has to be compelling. I always strive to make my future bigger than my past.
This year, my birthday came after a string of long and hard days. So, it was especially nice to take some time to relax and reflect.
In general, I work hard, but smart. I don’t often get anxious. I just relentlessly pursue my goals. It is a recipe that works for me.
Resilience and determination are certainly worth celebrating ... but they aren’t the only strategies worth pursuing.
I recognize that energy is important too – It is the fuel for doing and becoming. You can get some from doing well ... but sometimes you need to get some from doing less or controlling your focus.
As a result, this weekend, I focused on rest and recovery (with a nice dose of appreciation, gratitude, and reflection about friends and family who share the journey with me).
Flow State
On one hand, I’m proud of myself for doing what I’m supposed to do – finding ways to gain traction and momentum, letting small wins today set up bigger wins tomorrow, and laying the groundwork for the next level of future success. But I’m also reminded that when you’re in flow, the biggest outcomes don’t seem to require the biggest effort. Instead, achieving great results can feel surprisingly easy and natural. It’s as if when things click into place, success becomes almost effortless. This is a powerful reminder that sometimes, it’s not about pushing harder but finding that sweet spot where your skills and passions align, and a small shift can have a big impact.
Mindset Matters ... And So Do Habits!
It’s crucial to take a day to relax and celebrate after a challenging and significant stretch.
I also feel it is important to make the time and effort to feel things like “Happy Birthday!” 🎂
I have a birthday ritual. We go to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and celebrate there. It’s interesting because it’s become a location-and-event-based trigger reminding me to celebrate. Even the act of reserving this restaurant for a special occasion creates a powerful association that starts the celebration process.
Even though I really like the restaurant, I don’t go there for everyday dinners. I reserve it for celebrations so that it stays “pure” and “special” in my mind. It’s the same reason you’re not supposed to lounge around all day or work in bed - your body forgets that the bed is meant for sleep.
I use other location and activity triggers as well. Think about where they might help you? For example, walking in from the garage to your home, or into your bedroom. You could also trigger a particular response when you hold your partner's hand or kiss them goodbye. There are many places where you can apply this technique.
If you think about it, we don’t necessarily “have” emotions - we “do” them. It’s the same with celebration. It’s both a noun and a verb. It’s something in and of itself, but it also is something you do. In a sense, “having” and “doing” go together and feed off each other to create more of what you want.
What Are Your Rituals and Traditions?
The connection you make between a ritual and the emotions you want is powerful and can help you fully immerse yourself in the feelings you desire.
Recognize that you can create what you want rather than searching for it, chasing it, or waiting for it to happen. This perspective can produce profound insights.
What are some things that are also actions for you ... with having and doing being intertwined and reinforcing each other to create more of what you desire?
It’s a reminder to be intentional about creating and maintaining rituals, traditions, and habits that foster joy, appreciation, and a sense of accomplishment.
May your days be filled with joy and fulfillment, and may the coming year bring you many reasons to celebrate! 🎉
