Three Attitudes

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One thing I've learned this year is the importance of focusing on (and actively choosing) our attitudes. I definitely believe that we have more power over our thoughts than we usually give ourselves credit for. It's really, really easy to get swept up in negativity and doubt when things go wrong...but, we do have the choice to resist it.

I joke about how I have no will will power. Like, zip. Like, I'm talking about eating healthier while pouring myself a handful of chocolate chips. But really, I do have it. We all have it. I just need to be better about choosing it.

So whether you're going back to school, heading into the workforce, or doing any other number of inspiring, go-getter life things this season, here are three attitudes to keep you going strong.

Trust the process // This is actually a takeaway from the book Creativity Inc.; Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull, which I read in June. The book talks about the history and process behind Pixar Animation, but there is so, so much that is applicable to all creative lives.

When Pixar is working on a new story, they don't always get it right right from the start. Often, they'll know something is off...but they can't figure out what. But rather than giving up, they keep working through the steps, fixing little things and trying others, and eventually, the problem is found and a great story created. But they have to let go of understanding everything, and simply trust that the process will get them there.

It's important to 'trust the process' in our own lives. Keep going. Keep working. Keep focused. And eventually, the process will lead you to the destination. Sure, we don't always know what that destination is. But chances are, it will be better than what we initially set out to do.

No need for permission // This is huge for me. I get very wrapped up in what people will do/think/say/want....and it's just not good.

Should we be kind to people? Yes. Should we be helpful to others? Yes. Should we reach out? Yes. But should we base our personal life decisions off the opinions of everyone we meet, or trudge through doubt simply because a stranger pointed out an insecurity? No. Definitely not.

We don't always have to wait for permission. People aren't going to walk up to you and hand you a personalized life plan. You have to get up and make things happen. So ask for things! Seek out your own opportunities! Make your own game plan!

Life is waking up an hour earlier to live an hour longer // To me, this one is all about saying yes. Pushing yourself. Not settling for what feels nice, or is comfortable for a time. But instead, making active decisions that lift us up and make us better.

Self-sabotage is a real thing. So often, we give ourselves mental blocks like 'I'm not good enough' 'I'm not ready yet' 'I have nothing to contribute.' But that's crap. We have to get up and create our lives--our contributions--and start putting them out into the world, because starting is the only way we'll meet our goals.

Who's pumped for this new season?

Happy Tuesday! xoxo