We’re here at the American Journal of Health Promotion’s annual conference getting recharged by friends, peers, and thought leaders in worksite wellness. The word on the street here confirms what we say time and again:
Build energy and vitality in “small wins.”
On my way here I had a small win worth sharing.
To get from one gate to another I had to trek down a long terminal and then take not one but two buses. The second bus was hot and crowded and the ride was super bumpy. Standing wedged between smelly, burly dude and seated frail elderly lady who I trying desperately not to bump, I swayed from the hold-on-for-dear-life trapeze of a “safety” bar. I was brewing up some serious cranky so I hung my head and sighed. When I lifted back up a tad to be sure I was still in a bad comedy, I locked eyes with a tiny little girl who had an equally resigned demeanor, her hair bow drooping wistfully.
Before I could muster pity for her, a small miracle occurred… She smiled at me.
I am not a kid person, especially when traveling. Grumpy as I was, though, my reflexes made me smile back, a big toothy grin. Satisfied, she looked away and straightened her bow. That was that.
Somehow, her wee face with its tiny mock solidarity patched up my energy drain; and I mean it was skip-in-my-step curative. All of a sudden, not bumping into poor, tired lady next to me became a piece of cake. It’s almost as if my little pal had said, “shh, pass it on.” In that moment, if she could smile, so could I.
Small smile, small win, pass it on. It was a powerful boost when I thought my tank was near empty.
When we say, “other people matter,” it doesn’t have to take a lot of effort dig up results. Be open to it and then savor the moments that can unlock new energy stores, however small. Because, if you’re open to it, just when you need it most, inevitably out it pops.
How can you build energy in your day? Well, a smile doesn’t hurt – ye olde “fake it ‘til ya make it” option. Why not also try a couple of other ideas here:
- Tell someone you appreciate them (and why).
- Use your strengths in new ways – explore your creativity.
- Stretch your comfort zone a bit by trying something different.
- Choose to see the brighter side – no matter how far off.
You can also do a few quick activities to bring oxygen to your brain so you’ll be more interested in the above ideas:
- Stand up every time you are on the phone (our friend Dr. Dee Edington gave us this idea).
- Do a lunge or squat every time you “send” an email.
- Every time you get up to go to the restroom, reach your arms overhead and bend to one side, then the other.
- Find a set of stairs and go up and down a couple of times a day, for no reason.
- When a meeting ends, walk around your building (inside or out).
- Better yet… Walk over to a like-minded friend’s desk and do one of the above together!
We’re talkin’ small steps to get your brain oxygenated or your heart and lungs pumping a little extra, along with small steps to liven your spirit. Small wins add up.
In most cases, it all begins with a wee smile and the innate optimism to pass it on.
See you on the PATH Ahead!