| Mirror mirror on the wall… This week has been a reflective one for me. I had the biggest epiphany I must share with you. As we look in a mirror, our interpretation of our reflection defines our identity; too short, wrong hair, small eyes, big nose….it’s all there. You might recall the Dove commercial where women were asked to describe themselves to an artist who drew their portrait based on their detailed descriptions of themselves. Without exception, all the portraits were grotesquely distorted images of the women they represented. The “mirror principle” says each activity is a reflection of our relationship with it. |
- How we see ourselves is a reflection of our relationship with ourself
- How we invest is a reflection of our relationship with money;
- How we trust is a reflection of our relationship with people.
| So how do we change our reflection? That’s a great question and one my daughter asked too. |
Psychologist Brett Steenbarger observed:
” I’ve found one consistent theme: people who lead fulfilling lives are unusually good at surrounding themselves with fulfilling mirrors.”
| The truth bomb is: if you don’t love your reflection, choose a different mirror. We all know you become like the people you surround yourself with because you see the world and yourself as it’s reflected to you. BUT YOU GET TO CHOOSE THE MIRROR! You get to choose who and what influences you. And once you choose your mirror, do not buy into the myth that the image reflected will bring you happiness. I confess that I’ve been guilty of focussing on the image in the mirror and completely missing the point: “When I…….”get married/have children/pay off the mortgage/have a successful business”…..I will be happy/satisfied etc.” This condition brings only fleeting relief at best. As the elation leaves, so does contentment, like air from a deflating balloon. My coaching work over the last several years has confirmed the work of Sonja Lyubomirsky PHD, that success is often met with disenchantment. I found “battery hens” (with high wealth, low wellbeing), enjoyed success on paper, but were rarely fulfilled. Beyond a certain point, more money does not equate with more satisfaction. Rather, it is the allocation of resources that has greater impact and lasting joy. So as I reflect this week, I am thinking less on doing more, and doing more with what I have. And I challenge you to do this with me. (If this resonates, please pay it forward, and share it with someone who might need this today. And always feel free to comment, either directly or on my website blog. I love hearing your thoughts). |
| P.S. Have you read “The Resilience Project,” by Hugh van Cuylenburg yet? He tells stories of how Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness are the keys to a lighter heart. Great story telling and science backed principles. Worth the read and insightful for kids too. |
| TIP: Try the reflection challenge. Think less on doing more, and instead, do more with what you have. |
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