The Formula for Success

​Let’s face it, humans are complex.

Each of us is a complicated and unique combination of hormones, chemicals, emotions, thoughts, physical changes, and stressors…not to mention our personal upbringing, past relationships, and distinct life experiences. Often times, these complexities make it particularly difficult to truly enjoy our life. We may feel that every time we turn around, we have something new to contend with: Mood changes, family stress, work issues, medical issues, hormonal shifts, or unexpected stressors. We may look at other people and think that they have it easier. It is natural to assume that others lead a better, a happier, or a less complicated life. But, the reality is, we ALL have to deal with these constant and sometimes unexpected shifts in our bodies and in our lives. The trick is, how do we maintain quality in our life when our bodies—and the situations around us—make it continually challenging?

When I work with clients, I like to help people learn how to maintain quality in their life as much as possible. The goal is not to stop having problems, stressors, or challenging emotions, but to learn how to deal with these normal occurrences more effectively. I strive to help my clients maximize the peace, happiness, and stability in their lives, while also helping them minimize or protect themselves from letting the normal shifts and struggles cause too much chaos in themselves or in their environment.

One of the most basic elements of having consistency and quality within our bodies and in our immediate environments is to have structure. In my opinion, each adult is responsible for knowing his or her own formula for success. What is it that you need to be as healthy and happy as possible? Here are some common areas that people need to tend to on a regular basis to feel the best that they can, and to be able to flow with the normal stressors of life:

• Exercise – We ALL need it. Period. It might be as simple as a 30 minute walk a few times per week, but it will make a difference in your body, mood, and overall stability.

•  Diet – Do you eat on a regular and consistent basis? Are you over-eating or under-eating? Are you consuming the things that your body needs to thrive on?

• Sleep – Are getting enough sleep? Or maybe too much? Are you going to bed and awaking around the same time each day?

• Alone Time – How much do you need? Do you take enough time for yourself? Do you isolate?

• Social Time – Connecting with others is a basic human need. We often tend to neglect this during times of stress, but even a quick lunch with a friend can be recharging.

• Spirituality/Personal Values and Beliefs – Are you following your personal core sense of right vs. wrong, the things that you believe in? Are you allowing time to nurture your spiritual beliefs?

• Personal Growth – Are you tending to the areas of yourself that need a little work? We all have them. Avoiding them will often make them even more powerful and problematic.

• Productivity – Are you engaging in work, volunteering, care taking, or something else that makes you feel useful? Humans thrive on a sense of accomplishment and production.

• Pleasurable Experiences – What brings you joy? Hobbies, art, movies, music. We all need to stay connected to the things that fulfill us.

• Medical Health – Are you consistently attending to your physical health? It is important that we have regular medication use, check-ups, and that we give the appropriate attention to your medical needs.

 
When we raise children, we often do so with some level of organization. We give children structure to help them thrive—rules, bedtimes, meals, snacks, family values, and opportunities for learning, socialization, and growth. Well, here is the beauty: Just like children need structure, so do adults. And, if we can implement consistent attention in our lives to the areas above, we can have a much greater feeling of order, stability, peace, and happiness both within ourselves and in the things and people that we invest in.


Do you know your formula?
 

All the best to you and yours,

Dr. Sarah Ray