Coaching Corner: Make Your Bed!
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
Ah, how wonderful to feel the warmth of this spring month, allowing us to forget (almost) the chill of just a short time ago. Spring brings forth a new energy for me and perhaps you as well. New growth on the trees, flowers rising to greet the much longed for sunshine and a new attitude for many of us as we shed our warm wear for cooler options.
I have often found myself feeling somewhat victimized by inclement weather, especially when our world seems to go gray. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of gray but not in the sky!!! During the winter months, my mood changes and seems to mirror the gray of the skies. Oh, it’s nothing awful, however, I am definitely aware of the change.
So…I have been reading, actually listening to, a book by Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired U.S. Navy Seal, who commanded the raid on Osama Bin Ladin. Now, you might be asking what this man and his book have to do with my moods during the change of seasons. Keep reading, it will make sense. His book is titled “Make Your Bed,” and it is full of wonderful life lessons that come directly from his experience as a Navy Seal.
The very first chapter is indeed about making your bed! Actually, it is about how creating supportive structure in your life, which gives you a strong foundation to navigate the waters that show up each day. Now, if you read my blogs at all, you will know that I love the idea of supportive structure, so naturally when this book appeared on my radar, I jumped on it.
In the past, both with clients and in my blogs, I have suggested creating 10 daily habits that fulfill the intention of supportive structure within your day. Now, I am wondering if 10 is just too many, at least at the beginning. I am now thinking more along the lines of beginning with one item--just one to begin your day and see what happens. I would suggest though that it is something you currently are not doing. So, if you are an everyday bed maker, do not choose this particular task. I have always been an off again, on again bed maker, so this was a perfect choice for me, and it has indeed been impactful! Each morning, before I leave my room, I make our bed and hopefully my husband and dogs are ready to get up!
I am finding this small task extremely gratifying and it seems to set the tone for how my day will progress. There is no absolute magic to this concept, it is another tool to bring us closer to the ease and joy we seek…and deserve. So, this week, identify your first action step that begins your day and creates that feeling of support for you. And, for goodness sake, make your bed!!!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
