Want less stress? Here's one word to help you get there.

Last week I strained my shoulder.  I was lifting weights and overdid it. 

My workout mentality is this – I only have so much time to work out so I need to push myself to get anything out of it.  If I am not somewhat uncomfortable, if I am not giving it my all, then my result will be less.  I even have trouble going out for a walk because this seems too easy.  

This thought process can be applied to many things that I set out to do in my work and life.

Can you relate? 

On the one hand, this is a great attribute!  This has gotten me to where I am today because I am driven.  On the other hand, it is a lot of pressure that causes stress – just like my shoulder injury. 

There’s a word that kept coming up in client sessions this week and then it jolted me when I realized this word was for me, too. It is the word gentle. 

I have to admit, for some reason I’m not a fan of the word in connection with things that I want to accomplish.  It feels fluffy to me. As if I can’t continue moving forward in that state. I picture someone gently sitting, not going in any direction.  

But then I wondered  - how much more effective would I be 
if I moved forward with gentle consistency?

This took some time for me to internalize.  Here are some questions that helped me and may help you, too:

• In what ways would being gentler serve you?

• In what ways would you benefit by being gentler with others? 

• In what ways would you benefit by being gentler with yourself? 

Taking a breath, reminding myself every day of my purpose, and gently moving forward with consistency helps me to be more aware. This awareness keeps me from pushing myself and others too hard, potentially risking overdoing it, which can be a detriment to progress. 

As I restart my workouts, I know gentle consistency will serve me much better. And, I have really started to enjoy my walks.