The BOLD: (Save It Up for When You Need It)
By Building a Resource file of inspiring materials, you can access a needed boost at any time. It is like sending uplifting mail to a future version of yourself.
The Whisper: (Be Nice to Future You)
For years, I have kept three very important files in amongst the bills, tax forms, and cat vaccination certificates. These files have allowed me to reminisce about past victories and to remind me of what is possible as I move forward. They have allowed me to remember what inspires me. They have provided a link to happiness when I was having trouble connecting to the joy in life.
Files for Inspiration:
You can build your own store of inspiration on file. Many of us use public or private Pinterest boards or other digital methods to collect meaningful or delightful images. Sometimes we clip a meaningful article from a magazine. I use three folders in the file cabinet beside my desk. I’m suggesting that you create three intentional digital and/or analog places to collect images and information that create a pool of resources for the following:
INSPIRING:
An inspiring file is a great place to curate items that remind you of what is possible, that point to your heroes, that set a good example. They can include:
- Interviews with people whose path and accomplishments you admire
- Photos of places you’d like to visit
- Images of superlative moments you would like to revisit–the time you ran the marathon, the first check anyone ever wrote to your business
KUDOS:
In your kudos folder, you can collect reminders of your accomplishments. It is important to remember your strengths, your victories, and your impact. This can include:
- Thank you notes from people you helped.
- Certificates and awards
- A note to yourself describing the feelings of accomplishment you felt after achieving an important milestone.
HAPPY:
The happy folder is for simply that–happy images. In here, you can keep images that inspire feelings of happiness. These can include:
- Photos of happy occasions
- Images of loved ones
- Photos that make you feel happy–from cute kittens to hypercars. You know what elicits that response for you.
What About You?
Who says that every piece of paper in your filing cabinet has to have a serious purpose? And who says that inspiration and joy are not, in and of themselves, serious business? How will you use inspire, kudos and happy files to help your future self connect to joy, especially when those factors are in otherwise short supply?
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