We often hear of people using a mantra to “center” themselves, perhaps during meditation or a frightening time. Have you ever considered adopting a mantra to work – and live – by, at any time?
A couple of years ago, I found myself waffling in indecision more than I’d like. I’m a researcher at heart, so I can read and study and make lists and…on and on until I either irritate myself (and likely those around me!) or, disappointingly, the opportunity passes. As the saying goes, by not choosing, you are making a choice.
Around that time, I adopted a new mantra: Decide & Take Action. Rather than going back and forth endlessly, I wanted to conduct the necessary homework, then make a decision. I’m always amazed at how liberating simply *deciding* can be!
The second part of that mantra – “Take Action” – took care of any “buyer’s remorse” that might arise. Once I made the decision, I moved forward with it. I accepted it as my decision and got on with it.
What a boon this mantra has been in my life since! That’s not to say decisions always come easy now – but this gives me a guideline and a plan for movement.
Nike provided us with a mantra that many still use: Just Do It. Author and seminar leader Barbara Winter recently told me she has used the mantra, Work With The Willing, in her business for years. You can probably conjure up several examples of mantras, too.
You don’t have to commit to a mantra forever – it might simply serve you for a short while or during a certain chapter in your life. For whatever reason, I feel like my mantra right now is “Shoot for the moon, land among the stars.” Give this idea some thought this week and see what mantra might serve you best right now – and feel free to share your ideas below!