It’s Stretch Time
Happy Fearless Friday, Friends!
One thing that fascinates me as I analyze results from the Daily Practice Survey is the relationship between activation and satisfaction. Our most valuable habits actively engage us. Our least valuable habits (like daydreaming or scrolling) are passive.
We find purpose and energy in doing things that enlist our creativity, teach us something, or stretch us. On the other hand, we get less satisfaction and value from things that, even when enjoyable, don’t require deep attention or effort from us. And, our survey results show that this link to active engagement may increase as we age.
My grandmother, at 93, is a wonder of activation. She jogs, practices yoga, hand writes greeting cards, and gardens daily. When asked her secret to a long, healthy life, she usually says, “Just keep going. If you don’t sit down, you never have to figure out how to stand back up.” While that sounds a tad exhausting, and we all need rest, there’s something potent in her message. It reminds us that getting our hands in the dirt is even more powerful than just staring at the flowers.
While she’s always been active, she hasn’t always done these things. She has continued to learn, grow, and expand her life at every stage. Throughout her life she’s pivoted. She taught herself how to architect houses in her 30s, started a business in her 40’s, and took up running in her 60s. But, just like all of us, she still has a mental list of things she’d like to do. And knowing her, she’ll probably do them.
What’s could you do this week that would stretch you or use a new part of your brain?
Here’s to growing and stretching this week! And please check out our research request 👇 . I’d love your help as we learn.
Aransas
Research update!
I’m excited to share that our next research project will focus on women like my grandma, who believe it’s never too late to change. Before we do any quantitative studies, we like to talk to people with experience in the subject. For this study, we are looking for women who have made changes in their careers, relationships, or passions after age 40. If you are a woman, or know of one, who has made a significant life change, please shoot me a note. We’d love to capture a few minutes of your wisdom.