Are You Forcing or Unforcing Your Work and Life Right Now?
Two recent days were very different for me… despite my calendar and all external factors looking the same.
On one day, I was tense, overwhelmed, and second-guessing myself.
The other day, I was calm, trusting, and secure.
The first day drained me; the second brought me great joy.
What was the difference between the two days?
One was forced. The other was not.
The day that was forced felt off tempo. I wasn’t measuring up to my expectations. Getting through mundane tasks like email felt arduous and frustrating. Bigger activities felt a bit too big. Rushed, tight in my shoulders, and too controlling. It was like an awkward ballroom dance. As the anxiety grew, my rhythm got worse.
Unforced Rhythms: The Key to Impact and Joy
Consider that term: Unforced Rhythms. What would that look like in your life?
“She led a life of unforced rhythms…” “I love working with him because of his unforced rhythms.”
Perhaps you’ve never even considered the term unforced rhythms before. Lately, I’ve been thinking about it a lot.
The 20 Marks of an Unforced Rhythm
- Relaxing, even when you’re working hard or under pressure
- Not saying everything you have to say
- Being natural
- Accepting limits and circumstances
- Not trying to control others
- Refraining from violence with your words and actions
- Prioritizing the outcome over the process
- Waiting patiently
- Being ready versus desperate
- Operating from an abundance mindset, aware of opportunities
- Not rushed
- Not worried about what others think
- Doing things out of gratitude or joy rather than striving or fear
- Letting go of the result
- Releasing the need to prove yourself
- Going slow enough to ensure quality and mindfulness
- Noticing the little things
- Giving each step in the process the energy it deserves
- Not comparing yourself to others
- Breathing
The truth is, no day or action is all forced or all unforced. At any moment, you’re likely a mix of the two. Like a crucible, these elements are interacting to form your current posture. Ideally, the forced elements are “burnt off” to reveal something new.
Operating with forced rhythms can form an unhealthy pattern that leads to exhaustion, not to mention poor performance.
Unforced rhythms are healthy. They lead to greater impact and joy.
With all the fear, uncertainty, and change around us, it may be tempting to fall into forced rhythms to survive or succeed.
Instead, let’s commit to unforced rhythms. Consider picking one of the 20 marks of an unforced rhythm and make that central to how you think, relate to others, view yourself, and make choices throughout your day.
Which one will you pick?
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