The Power of Environment
I live in Phoenix, Arizona and this past spring, we experienced what the pros were calling “a superbloom” – it was stunning!
Spring has since passed and summer is upon us. The temperatures are hoovering in the 90s and the sun is shining bright and hot for nearly 12 hours or so.
This time of year is always a reminder to me about the importance of environment.
Before we go any further:
Hi, Hello, Aloha! I’m Heather Patterson. I wear lots of hats, like coach and teacher, partner, bonus momma, friend, sister….and obviously wildflower lover…you get the idea.
My passion…my purpose is helping others understand and use their mind so they can create a truly happy and abundant life. If you’re new here, welcome! And if you’re back for more, thank you!
Back to: ENVIRONMENT
You see, I grew up on the east coast and this time of year out there is time for blooming tulips, trumpteting petunias and bright yellow daffodils.
It is tempting to want to plant them here. Yes, indeed! They are gorgeous and for me, a bit nostalgic. But they just won’t work. It’s too arid and the sun burns too hot here.
You and me… We are no different. We have to ensure that we are in an environment that supports us and our authentic self.
For example – I once held a job that required that I cold call. Oh dear. That is definitely not aligned to my true and authentic self. I did it…out of compliance, out of fear of getting in trouble but was I successful? No. Not at all. Rather, I was successful when I was teaching, training and coaching – even showing up in a way similar to what I’m doing right now and was a magnet.
Are ya with me??
Can you relate??
What is it for you and your life?
Maybe it’s business/career. Or could it be another facet of you? The gym you go to. Where you hangout with family and friends. Where you worship? Your home?
Your environment plays a significant part in your results and results include your fullfillment! Your happiness, joy, wonder, awe and more.
The question is: does my environment support me and my goals in a way that allows me to be fully and authentically me?
The WHOLE question applies, here it is again, broken into two parts:
i. Does my environment support me and my goals?
ii. in a way that allows me to be fully and authentically me?
Check in and consider it, really.
Here’s a way to look at it. There are two buckets – both controllable (don’t focus on stuff you can’t control, that’s a silly use of your energy):
External Environment:
- The people you surround yourself with
- The places you live, work, play or otherwise “go”
Internal Environment:
- Social media platforms and people and pages you follow
- The music you listen to
- The entertainment or media you watch/listen/read/experience
How do you feel?
Energized, excited, supported, encouraged?
Joyful, entertained, growing?
Or
Stuck, drained, deflated?
Worrisome, doubtful and fearful?
Chances are, after hearing me rattle off that list, one, two or maybe three things popped into your head. What are they?
Now, what will you do about it?
Education without implementation is entertainment. Ya gotta do something!
Often our environment, external or internal is habitual. We’ve always gone there, read that, been friends with…and so on.
Is it time to:
create some space?
create some boundaries?
replace with something more aligned?
There isn’t a single “right answer”, in fact there may be many answers for you.
Here’s what I know…you likely already know what you need to do. So, find the courage and love for yourself to start making it happen.
No more shouldas or somedays…the time is now.
Hey, if you enjoyed this, I want to invite you to my next workshop, The Smile System Virtual workshop where I cover my 5 step framework for approaching challenges in life, leadership and love. You can learn more over at www.heatherpatterson.com/thesmilesystem.
