The workshop presenter had just given us an assignment, "List 50 successes in five minutes." My husband sat absolutely still for the first four minutes, then he began writing furiously.  He told me later that he couldn't think of any successes until it occurred to him that at some point in life he had learned to walk.  From remembering the thrill of those first wobbly steps, he was able to recall a whole life-time of success. 
 
My grandson just turned a year old and he has recently mastered those same wobbly first steps.  What I love about watching him is the absolute joy on his face... a "look at me, I'm walking" kind of smile. He knows he is doing something BIG.  
 

You've already mastered the skills needed to get from point A to point B.  However, when was the last time you deliberately set out to master a new physical skill?  And why would you want to, anyway?
 
There are several reasons learning a new physical skill can help you in your career.  First, learning something new breaks up the ruts in your brain.  When you learn a new skill the brain creates new pathways and turns-on parts of the brain that were not engaged before.  Also, improved brain benefits from regular physical activity include increased cerebral blood flow, changes in hormone levels, enhanced nutrient intake, and greater alertness.  Food for thought?
 
Secondly, learning a new skill like painting, skiing, or yoga can reduce stress and recharge you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, authors of The Power of Full Engagement, say "Energy, not time, is the fundamental currency of high performance."  In order to perform at full capacity, you need to do something different to recharge your energy.  Have you ever worked fourteen hours and realized that you were not very productive the last six?  You are better off going bowling, so your mind can recharge, than stay at the office and foolishly believe you are being productive.
 
And lastly, when you conquer a new skill you can add it to your list of life successes. If you take up running you can celebrate the finish of your first 5K or if you take up fly fishing you can marvel at your first rainbow trout.  We take too little time in our work day to celebrate the wins along the way.    It's the celebration of the little wins that gives us the energy to tackle the next challenge.  When you breeze right past that completed report or successful presentation, you miss out on the joy of accomplishment.  The least you can do is smile a "look at me, I'm walking" smile before you dive into your next assignment.  
 
Pick an new physical activity to learn. You may be wobbly but your list of life successes just got longer!
 

Here's to your success,

 

Linda Tiernan Sommer, MBA