“2018 Takeaways…”

 

Shared by Breanne Smedley

“2018 Takeaways…” 

Here are mine, for 2018… 

—–

The Power of Relationships

On March 20th, 2018 I became a mother, and I experienced the true power of a parent’s love.

Everyone tells you it’s going to be amazing. I didn’t fully understand that until it happened. 

In my mind, having a baby meant that life as you knew it was pretty much over. So, travel as much as you can, enjoy as many date nights as possible, live up that DINK (double income, no kids!) life. Because once you have a child, it’s all over. 

Yes, having a baby changed everything.

Charlee revealed in me a level of love that I didn’t realize was possible. 

Watching Brett become a father, seeing the careful attention he pays to her, and how he loves making her laugh, has caused me to fall deeper in love with him. 

Loving Charlee has allowed me to experience a glimmer of the love that my mom has for me. 

Charlee has transformed my relationship with my dad. We are closer through our love for this little one. 

Relationships are the foundation of accomplishment. Becoming a mother has only deepened this realization. 

—– 

The Importance of Taking Action 

I’ve spent most of my life making sure I’m prepared and have calculated everything before doing anything. 

I have to have enough research, information, and knowledge before I make a move. 

This year, I learned that I need to take action, even if I don’t feel “ready.” 

All those hours and days waiting to feel prepared enough to do something are just wasted time. 

Time that I could have spent DOING, trying, failing, and learning. 

I’ve had a feeling for years that I want to do something in the field of leadership development. Specifically with women, girls, and athletes. 

Until this year, I was just living with the idea that “maybe someday” something will happen to allow me the opportunity to pursue this. 

This year, Kristina called me to action, and The Mindfluent Leader was born.

We don’t have it perfect. We don’t know exactly what we’re doing. 

But, we know that we are passionate, we have a plan, and we are sharing in our journey.

With the help of Ryan Fletcher and the 90 Day Immersion, we are taking action every day.

Don’t wait until the conditions are perfect. They never will be. Take action. 

—– 

How to Be Present 

In June, Kristina and I attended Google’s “Search Inside Yourself Leadership Training.” 

It was when I was first introduced to the idea of a mindfulness practice. 

I started incorporating a sitting practice into my day; a specific time that I set aside to sit and focus on the breath in silence. 

I started with just 3 minutes. It was hard. My mind was constantly thinking, worrying, and I felt like there were important things that I needed to be doing for those 3 minutes instead of sitting.

I stuck with it and build up to a 20-minute daily practice. 

When I’m consistent with this, I notice the impacts it has on every other area of my life.

I am able to focus on one task at a time. 

I am present with the people that I’m with and can more fully enjoy their company. 

Rather than try to think of what I’m going to say next in a conversation, I can focus my mind to be fully engaged with what the other person is saying.

I’m not rushing from one thing to the next. 

My time is the most precious gift I can give to someone. Being present for that time is what they deserve. 

—– 

The Power of the 1%

Consistently good is better than occasional greatness. 

I say that a lot to my players. 

But this year, I have learned to apply this in the context of my own life.

I’ve experienced the power that daily, consistent improvement can have on my mind, body, business, and relationships. 

Small actions, over time, lead to big results. I’m focused on the daily journey of a challenge-based life, trusting that this actions will compound upon each other to lead to profound growth that can only happen with patient, consistent work. 

Over Christmas, Kristina and I were talking about how different our business will look come this time next year. 

Although we don’t know exactly what it will look like, we do know that commitment to the 1% will ensure we live up to our 2019 mantra: Growth. 

—– 

I also turned 30 this year. Another milestone that I thought would end my life. 

But in a lot of ways, I feel like my life is just beginning. 

I’m becoming more comfortable with who I am, not caring as much about what others think. 

I’m challenging myself to improve daily through reading, writing, and healthful routines.

I’m not letting life just happen to me. I’m being intentional with where I spend my time and who I spend it with. 

I’m learning that I get to be in control of my response in any given situation.

2018 was a year I’ll never forget. I’m looking forward to the lessons, experiences, and memories of 2019!

 

#MindfullyEvolving

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