There is no other time than the one we live in right now. The future we can only predict. We don’t know what we don’t know.
Worries, anxiety, stress, and the uncertainty that the young people live with were apparent as I listened to the young generation, the emerging leaders, and professionals during the Youth Summit.
Yet, all of them want to have an impact, an influence on their local communities and on the world.
Therefore, giving the younger generation a platform to raise their voices and express their ambitions, struggles, and outlook for the future is highly valuable.
Self-sustainability
The theme was “Sustainability” at all levels. From my perspective, as a coach and capacity builder, I approached it from the individual first. You are the one who needs to be sustainable with your energy, with your time, and how you take care of yourself, and how you can have an influence in your circle first, so that you can think of further sustainable measures.
You cannot pour from an empty cup, as we know. So, let’s fill in your cup first.
So, the questions do come as in my energy audit map.
What, where, and who drains you?
What, where, and who gives you joy?
And more importantly, what little step or pledge will you take for yourself?
My invitation is simple: Commit to yourself.
Your choices and hidden costs
You always have the choice to use less or more of whatever it is. Could be your time, your energy, your thoughts, your decisions.
What is the hidden cost to always respond to challenges, always check social media, and follow what is going on around the world? FOMO, fear of missing out, always being on WhatsApp and responding immediately? What is urging you to do this after all?
You don’t need to be available all the time. It is an unnecessary burden and pressure you place on yourself for no reason.
Am I on social media? Yes, I am, and I use it intentionally. I have times when I check and read, make comments, and the rest. I focus on my own business, create content, coach, teach, and listen and learn.
Being aware of global issues is a must. I agree, however, to let the world’s news get you down will not help anyone. Especially yourself. As you cannot have a direct impact.
Focus on what you can do in your own circle of influence, in your own circle of community, and the impact that you can create.
Each little sand grain adds up to a bigger impact.
I want you to reflect: What habit sabotages you? Which one contributes to your growth?
And only thinking does not suffice: Take action. Think about one small habit you can implement thoughtfully that will be beneficial to you.
Your Recipe
The secret sauce here is to be consistent with your new habit. A habit can only be formed once it is done every day, every week.
Be present in the moment, live the moment, the here and now, rather than thinking and worrying about the future and what is going on around the world.
To be the future change maker, you need to be the leader in the present. Your own CEO, your own cheerleader, yes, you heard me right—your own cheerleader. You are your own Chief Empowerment Officer, your own Chief Energy Officer, your own Chief Executive Officer. No one can decide your next step but you.
Create your present with the impact you want to have on yourself and others.
Being less impulsive will help you to make healthy choices. Repetitive pauses throughout the day will increase your awareness of your surroundings.
Observe, listen, and be mindful of the morning and lunch.
Smell, hear, touch, taste with intention at least once a day.
And create your boundaries. What is non-negotiable for you? What are you willing to tolerate? Until what limit? What is your own red zone that no one can violate?
Emotional regulation is key to self-leadership and impact.
So, before having an impact on the world issues, sustainability, and the like:
Start with yourself.
Start by observing yourself. What are the habits that bring you down?
How can you be more self-sustainable with living the life you are aspiring towards?
Happy reflection, enjoy the process.
And you interrupt your sustainable new habit somehow, no worries. Start it again the next day. Be cooperative while remaining consistent. It will compound without you being aware.
