New Year, New Mindset: Mindfulness Exercises for Dads
Only 8% of Americans stick to New Year's resolutions according to Forbes.com. I know I have failed with many of my past resolutions. Why? Many times this is because we do not set appropriate goals. For example, we say “I will lose 20 lbs”… This is a difficult goal and more of an outcome. A better goal would be “I will adhere to a healthy eating plan and exercise 2 times a week”. The meal plan and exercise are things you can control and quantify, while weight loss of 20 lbs could be outside of your control based on genetics, adding muscle mass, or you might not have 20 to lose.
For 2018, I have chosen to work on mindfulness and being present. Over the past few months I have played with a number of tools, and below are the ones that have worked best.
Easy Mindfulness for Busy Dads
Meditation:
- Book: 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story: I have played with meditation a few times in the past, but this book made meditation approachable for me. The companion app does a nice job and shows how even 1 minute of meditation can help.
- Apps
- Headspace (free introductory 10 pack)
- 10% Happier (some free content, shorter meditations availible)
- Mindfulness Daily (free)
Priming: Tony Robbins has no problem with meditation, but prefers priming, as he outlines in this Business Insider article. Meditation can be relaxing and allow you to prioritize thoughts and actions, while I find priming to be more energizing. I currently do both.
Gratitude: 5 Minute Journal (Hard copy or app)
Other recommended reading and viewing:
- Getting Things Done (book)
- Setting goals (good frame work for setting goals)
- Mini Habits (book)
- Tim Ferriss TED Talk on Fear Setting
Let me know what your resolutions are for this year and hacks you have found to keep them!
