We can’t expect to live happy lives if we’re miserable at work. Not only do we spend about 50 hours per week at our jobs, we end up wasting precious energy complaining about work during our off hours. Our friends and family have heard it all, again and again. I know this from my own reentry into the world of 9 to 5.
What I realized is that we all have the power to create working lives that are both pleasant for us and profitable for those signing our paychecks, whether it’s an employer or clients of our own business. It’s up to us to make changes, and those changes begin in our own hearts and actions.
It’s tempting to blame people and things outside ourselves for our unhappiness. “I’d be so happy if it weren’t for this crappy job, grumpy parent or controlling spouse.” Enough already! This is your life and it can be anything you want—if you have the courage to genuinely be yourself in every moment.
This is the moment to ignite CALM and stoke your inner fire by taking positive action—by accepting responsibility for your own life and how you live it. We decide where we work and we choose the people we spend our time with.
So what is CALM? CALM is an acronym for a simple four-step technique that will bring you closer to your inner calling and soul’s purpose. You will no longer doubt your thoughts and actions. You will hear your inner voice loud and clear, enabling you to tune out static and confusion caused by the rules and projections of others. You will know you are in resonance with your purpose—and you will also know, with confidence, what no longer serves you and needs to be released. We ignite CALM when we look at the circumstances in our lives through a high-vibration filter and make an active choice to bring the best of ourselves to whatever we’re doing in that present moment.
CALM = Creativity, Authenticity, Luminosity and Mindfulness
These four questions are at the heart of the CALM approach—the only questions you need to get the internal fire started. This is your flash point, where you strike the match.
To ignite CALM, ask yourself these four simple questions and be absolutely honest in your answers.
Creativity: Have I looked at this situation creatively?
Authenticity: Am I being true to my personal values and goals?
Luminosity: Am I bringing the best of me to this issue?
Mindfulness: How does this situation affect my life and others?
Using this technique whenever you face a decision or challenge at home or on the job will quickly get you to your best place, so you can see a situation clearly without distraction from the ego mind.
Think back over your life to critical decisions that didn’t work out so well. Now apply the CALM questions in hindsight. I know I could have avoided a great deal of pain by asking these questions before I jumped into situations. Now when I face decisions this simple exercise helps me find the proper place within. Give it a try right now with an issue you’re currently facing at work or at home. Your answers will show where your opportunities live.
We each have a purpose in life. Give yourself the gift of discovering that purpose. Find out how you’re meant to be of service to the world. Find what makes you come alive. Are you courageous enough to let your unique talents shine and be successful beyond all limitation? I know you are. Open yourself to your inner fire.
Adapted from Ignite CALM: Achieving Bliss in Your Work, holistic techniques to transform your professional life (NorLightsPress)
