The Power of Noticing

I hate to say it, but I’m officially addicted to my phone.

It’s one thing to scroll when I’m sitting in the doctor’s office, waiting for my appointment.

It’s an entirely different thing when I realize I’m carrying my phone into the bathroom.

Or when I feel compelled to snap a photo or video of every interesting or unique (or even mundane) thing that happens to me.

Or when I can’t seem to sit quietly by myself for more than a few minutes before I turn on a podcast or put on some music.

When I brush my teeth, when I cook dinner, when I’m winding down before bed… there she is, my favorite distraction device, by my side. All. Day. Long.

I know I’m not alone in this, and I think subconsciously I’ve had this awareness for a while now. 

But the reason I’m naming it now is actually because I’ve just started physical therapy for neck and shoulder pain.

At my first appointment, my physical therapist gave me what seemed like the easiest homework ever:

Notice the position of my head. That was it!

Notice when my chin juts out or down. Notice when my gaze is at the floor. Notice when my shoulders hike up or curl forward.

Just notice.

Sometimes the ‘easiest’ work is actually the most profound.

Turns out – I spend a lot of time with my head down. And what am I doing from that position?

Looking at my phone 😬

Try This Out 

I share this not because I want you to give up your phone. But rather because I want you to start paying closer attention.

The first step of Life Design is to Discover – and at its core, discovery is about being curious and noticing.

Noticing your patterns and routines. Being curious about what’s working and what’s not.

Noticing your schedule and commitments. Being curious about what lights you up, and what feels like a drag.

Noticing your body’s sensations and feedback. Being curious about what messages you might be receiving.

What can you bring more mindful attention to today?

Importantly, discovery is not about fixing. I’m not throwing away my phone or locking it away or even setting new rules or limits for myself.

Instead, discovery is about widening your field of vision and seeing the bigger picture. It’s about pausing long enough to ask yourself, what’s really going on here?

So today, I invite you to zoom out and look with curiosity at a part of your life that you normally run on autopilot.

It might be your morning routine or what you eat for breakfast.

It might be a common pattern you find yourself repeating in a relationship or scenario.

It might be a thought you keep repeating in your head.

It might be the position of your head on your neck.

What might you discover about yourself today through paying more mindful attention?

What To Do Next

One of the best ways to discover something new about yourself is to work with a coach! 

Between now and Nov 7th, you can save $720 off my 6-month Career Redesign Experience. Start in November, and watch your work and life transform by May! Use code 12OFF at checkout  to save.

If you have any questions, hit reply and let’s talk about your goals and how I can support you to achieve them.

Onward,

PS: I’ve spoken with a number of people recently who feel afraid of the risks involved with making a career or life change. I get it – it’s a big deal! If that’s you, check out my interview with my friend Racheal Cook of The CEO Collective. We spend a lot of time talking about the potential and power of being vulnerable and making change in the open. Whether you own your own business or are looking to make a career pivot, this one’s for you! Listen here.