The frenzied pace of 2017 has kept you head down, bum up, with only brief moments to take stock of the big picture ~ the big picture being your life. It's human nature to get caught up in goal attainment, constantly striving for the next big sale, big promotion, big deal, yet occasionally we neglect to remain aligned with what matters most.
If at the end of the day you are aiming to live a comfortable life, go on holidays a few times a year and spend time with family, do you know what you need to do to get there? Are you aligning your actions with your values? Regardless of what you are aiming for, life isn't about obtaining things, it's about attaining the feelings you experience from things. AND, more often than not, the feelings we aspire toward come down to experiences and moments with others, not things.
According to the late psychologist and researcher Christopher Peterson 'other people matter'. So much so that research has demonstrated that having low social connections can be more detrimental to your health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure! Science Director at Stanford University Emma Seppala revealed that having high social connections (quality VS quantity) not only improves psychological well-being (decreasing risk for anxiety and depression) but also strengthens your immune system and potentially lengthens your life!
Social connections matter. Social well-being is often over-looked within organisations, however it's something that can be prioritised and supported. It helps people identify and remain grounded in what matters. Offering individuals trust, autonomy, support and empathy does wonders for their social well-being. Finding meaning in what individuals do each day through their role is paramount.
Do you have meaning in what you do each day?
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day nuances of our roles, but are we connecting back to our why?
I encourage you to take this opportunity to take a moment, step back from the doing and contemplate the being. Why are you striving and is your state of striving chronically hindering your path to fulfilment? Always connect back to your why.
Cortex Consulting works with individuals and organisations through developing well-being initiatives. Contact Kirsten today to empower you through the process.