What is the quickest and easiest way for us to grow as human beings? I would argue that one of the most effective ways is by changing our rituals or improving our habits. If your goal is to become the “Best Version of Yourself” then you must have solid rituals, ones that you do every day. And they must empower you. We all know of people who have disempowering rituals. Some use drugs, some use alcohol, and some overeat. None of these options are what we are talking about.
An example of a positive ritual would be working out each days or a number of days per week. Another would be waking in the morning an being thankful for every gift in your life. Still another might be reading a chapter or so of a new book. I try really hard to incorporate these examples into my daily rituals.
Professionals often partake in empowering rituals. Whether it be actors or singers or even athletes, most have rituals that allow them to perform at their best. You have no doubt seen a professional basketball player rehearse his shot or rub his socks before shooting a free throw. You have heard of professional speakers reviewing notes countless number of times before taking the stage. These are very empowering rituals and the ones that we are discussing today.
Now some people might say a daily ritual is boring or lacks variety and fun. I would argue those people have a fixed mindset and not a growth mindset. For a ritual to be effective, or in order for a ritual to become part of your nervous system, research suggests that it must be done 66 times.
A few rituals that have helped me in my professional career as a personal injury trial lawyer as well as my private life (future husband, uncle, son, and friend) include drinking water, deep breathing, eating a regular whole foods diet, and exercise. In other words daily rituals are the first ingredients to me attacking a new day or a new project. They are the most important part of my growth model in both my career and personal life.
On most days, I will drink 100 or more ounces of water, do 3 sets of 10 deep breathing-and-holding exercises and incorporate at least 2 chapters of reading or listening to an audio book. What rituals allow you to grow? Do you have any negative rituals? I know that I still do. But I also know that I have to rid myself of these if I want to become the “best version of myself.”
Watch the video above to learn more, and be sure to send us your empowering and disempowering rituals. Feel free to get in touch with me or follow me on social media for more great self-improvement and legal tips, and don’t forget to share these tips with your family members and friends. After all, we are all on this boat called life together.
