When You're Swimming Against the Current

Seven questions to help you find a different direction.

What if you didn't have to fight so hard to stay afloat? (Photo by Sven Eisenschmidt via Unsplash)

When you feel like you're swimming against a strong current, you likely are.

Most people in this position push harder.

They work harder. Think harder. Question themselves, especially if they are an expert in overthinking. It can feel like losing confidence, or forcing yourself to stay motivated when you're no longer sure your efforts will make a difference.

But what if pushing harder isn't the answer?

What if it's time for a small change?

What would a shift look like for you?

I've put together a few questions to help you explore where a shift might make a difference. You might even recognize something that's already changing.

Give yourself another minute here. See what comes up.

Mindset: What belief about yourself or your situation might be in place when you approach your day? Does this mindset align to the outcome that you want?

Activity: What are you continuing to do simply because you've always done it? What important tasks need to happen to reach your goal?

Energy: What is draining you more than it's giving back? What are you tolerating?

Focus: What are you paying attention to that no longer deserves so much of your attention? If someone took a picture of you at work, what would be on your screen and desk? Do a quick scan of your space now. Do the things surrounding you make sense?

Expectation: Whose expectations are you working so hard to meet? Are those expectations still reasonable and aligned? Are your expectations causing you stress?

Intention: Are your daily choices moving you toward something you actually want? Is it clear to you why you're choosing what you're doing?

Daydream: When you close your eyes, what possibilities do you imagine? What part of that vision do you choose to bring forward?

Not every change requires a dramatic leap. Sometimes it begins by changing where you're directing your energy.

And sometimes the most confident thing you can do is stop fighting the current long enough to recognize that you have a choice.