Written by: Lea Gerlock, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Are you relentlessly taking ownership of your gifts? If you do not do this, why not? (Don’t you just love it when you’re reading an article and it starts out with two questions and now a third?!)
In the constant pursuit of our goals in business and our personal lives, we have the amazing ability to transform in ways that we have never even thought of. For most of us, it starts with our personal thoughts on how we want to pursue that “something” that is just for us. If we take time to enjoy that “something,” it must be extraordinary in a way that lightens us up, gives us that spark, and makes us so happy! It really just makes our world (and for those around us) that much better!
Through that spark, I thoroughly believe in testing your limitations, and part of that process is taking ownership of your gifts as well. As a life coach, this is an important way to check-in with me. If I am going to coach my clients to do the same, I must be willing to constantly explore what this specifically means to me. It’s a gift to myself in a way that does not limit what I can do; it’s a way to focus and learn, or in my recent case, relearn how to play the piano. By no means will I be applying for a spot with an orchestra to play a tune from Beethoven any time soon, but the enjoyment of playing the piano is euphoric! The best part of playing the piano - it’s a true gift!
The exploration part of being “gifted” is that it transforms us back in time to when we were kids.
George Bernard Shaw said,
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
I don’t want to grow old, although there is no denying that is happening. I can adopt that feeling of love and gratitude when I was a child playing and now playtime as an adult! (In my opinion, playtime is much better than daydreaming.) A gift to ourselves will result in reaching those goals, and those goals take the focus away from our fears.
Self-sabotaging thoughts will attempt to impede the process of ownership. Playful ways, engaging in a new activity will help you to rejuvenate your mind. A rejuvenated mind brings renewed spirit and a fresh perspective. It’s okay to take this break; you must allow yourself to do so! It’s daydreaming in a way but in a more planned out recreational way. There are many tools at your fingertips right now.
The solution can be as simple as asking yourself the following questions:
What are 3-5 things you did when you were a child that brought you joy and excitement?
Out of those 3-5 things, pick the “one” that can be performed or done with minimal risk. This particular tool does not have to include a play activity that requires great physical assertion. It can be playing the piano, and yes, I believe there is an app for that if you don’t have one!)
If there is nothing that jumps out at you, go for a walk outside. Pay attention to the sights and sounds. Don’t just hear the sounds; listen and tune into nature.
The additional benefit is you can literally create your own tool kit for those potential day-dreaming moments. It is also one of the best ways to reduce stress and have fun while doing it.
Less stress, more productivity in your business and personal life translates into a happier you, and that’s more than just a gift — you’ve taken ownership! You are the Stockholder: Own Your Gifts!
Lea Gerlock, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Lea Gerlock is the Founder and CEO of Personal Chapter, a life coaching and personal development empire focusing on mastering all transitions in order to step into one’s highest potential. As a divorced mom of 3 and recovering alcoholic, Lea was able to break through the fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty that comes with major transitions in life. After overcoming her own battles, Lea quickly learned that so many people struggle with navigating through major and minor transitions. Her superpower is helping people transition into the next and very best chapter of their lives. When Lea is not working, she enjoys traveling, long walks on the beach, and spending time with her 3 amazing sons.
