Daily rituals

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just stand there.” – Mark Twain

Daily six rituals : willingness, daily quiet time, service, love and forgiveness, and gratitude


Others-First Actions
“Others-first actions” will help move you from “What’s in it for me?” to “What’s in it from me?” Gratitude, love, and service to others is the best way to pull your focus off your own self-interests. When you act to benefit others, it’s not about what you’re going to get from others; it’s about what you’re going to give to others. Here are several examples:

· Let the first five people you meet everyday who are wrong about something be wrong (in other words, don’t challenge them or rub it in).
· Say “Good morning” to someone on the elevator or on the street.
· Pay the toll or fare for the person behind you in line and bask in their smile (or their shock).
· Really listen to people. This is a big one. Start with listening for one minute without saying anything on your agenda.
· Spend 5 minutes alone before your weekly staff meeting. Consider what you might say or do to build up others in the group.
· Start each staff meeting by expressing gratitude for specific strengths each person brings to the group. Use this same people-building technique with family members before the evening meal.
· Be willing to say “I’m sorry” if you make a mistake. Avoid thoughts of retaliation and let the mistake go. Thank the person for bringing it to your attention. Learn from the experience.

Me-First Actions
“Me-first actions” are also important to a balanced life. Always putting others first can eventually lead to feelings of burnout, exhaustion, and often resentment. Taking time out allows you to give from a position of joy and inner strength as you are rested and revitalized. If you
86 87 have trouble finding motivation for self-care, remember that it’s only by nurturing ourselves that we can positively nurture others. Consider the following “me-first actions”:

Get 8 hours of sleep a night, even if you don’t think you need it, and eat smart. Your body is an organic machine that needs downtime and fuel to restore itself to optimal operating efficiency.


Take three deep, lung-expanding breaths after you step outside in the morning.


Go for a 10-minute walk alone before you get to your office


Establish the limits of what your responsibility is, as well what the responsibility is of others, and draw your line before taking on more projects.


Drive to a parking lot with a cup of tea or mineral water and read an inspirational or humorous book for 15 minutes.


When someone asks you to volunteer, simply say, “That sounds interesting. I will check my schedule and call you back.” Then take a quiet moment to look in your heart and see if this is where you want to spend your time.

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