3 Ways to Make Your Environment Work FOR You

It’s been cool and rainy here in Portland which let me bring out the sweaters, get comfy, and focus on some BIG projects that I’ll share with you soon! (Promise!) 

I gotta tell you tho… I was struggling a bit being out of my usual environment.

Portland just isn’t home for me. And it’s not my favorite place, not by a long shot.

So, it was tough adapting. But luckily, I’ve created a home that nourishes and comforts me here so I got into the swing of things pretty quickly.

Also, Zak and I hit up this mouth-watering sushi place for a date night where we proceeded to live our best life so that didn’t hurt! 

Did you see the pics I posted on IG stories?

I hope so because it was such a vibe!

The location was relaxing and comfy with dim lights and great views.

The lighting was low and the music was easy. 

It gave us that soft place to land that we desperately needed.

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I leave my home, the environment I put mySELF into is EVERYTHING.

For example…

• If it’s super loud, I’m out.
• If there’s bright or fluorescent lighting, I’m out.
• If it’s super crowded, I’m out.
• If it doesn’t have calming energy and people that protect my peace, you guessed it… I’m out.

I do not play when it comes to the environments I am in. Ask anyone that knows me.

If you invite me somewhere that has ANY of the things I mentioned, I’m not coming.

Why?

Because your environment is one of the most important factors when it comes to becoming SELF Made. 

The people, places, and things we surround ourselves with influence our values, beliefs, priorities, mood, productivity levels, and much, much more!

For me, it’s to the point where it’s triggering for me if I’m in a place or space that doesn’t serve the Identity of my Future Self.

I get anxious and if I can’t leave quickly, I’ll even get angry! You can’t make it up. 

(Sometime I’ll tell you the story about visiting the Palace of Versailles which ended up taking aboutttt 60 seconds! I was out!)

Fun fact… if you wanna peek into King Louis XIV’s daily routine, you can enjoy that here! 

Anyway… where were we…

Oh right… environment.

Now, some people feel the need to “run away” or “escape” their current environment in order to finally become the person they want to be. 

I know. I’ve felt that way too.

But that’s not necessary.

In this issue, I’m going to share more with you about how you can create an environment that helps you become more of your Future Self daily – no packing tape, moving van, or dashing out of Versailles so fast you made the guard’s head spin required! 

Ready? Let’s do this!

WHY YOUR ENVIRONMENT IS EVERYTHING

Have you ever visited a place you used to live and reverted back to the person you were when you lived there? 

Wild, isn’t it?

You see, your environment can shape your mood, thoughts, and actions – or lack thereof. It can also trigger memories. 

Your surroundings are like silent puppeteers, pulling the strings of your life. Which is why I want to talk about it.

When it comes to the place you lay your head, how does it make you feel? What does it make you feel is possible? Who does it support you in being?

If your environment doesn’t support you becoming your Future Self and not staying stuck in your Present or Past Self, then it’s time for a change.

Here are 3 things you can consider:

1. Location: Is the location of your home where your Future Self would live? If not, what can you do to either change locations (I know… that’s a big one) OR start making plans to do that at some point in the future?

For now, ask yourSELF what you want in a location. Is it being close to your kid’s schools? In walking distance of a local café? Having warm weather? Cool weather? No neighbors? And how can you create those things now?

2. Décor: Ok this is a big one. Please, for the love of naked babies, do not buy the same shit as you see everyyyyyone else decorating their home with on social media. You are not cookie cutter. You’re an original, baby! Act like it! Those things might be trendy and help you “fit in” but is that REALLY what you want to do?

Place things in your home that mean something to you. That inspire you to become more of who you are. Things that remind you of experiences that have lit your soul on fire. Create your own artwork or display family heirlooms.

3. Declutter: Clutter creates chaos, which impacts your ability to focus. AND… it also limits your brain’s ability to process information. But wait… there’s more! Not only is it hard to physically function in a cluttered space but it’s unhealthy for you.

Studies show that clutter leads to feelings of shame, hopelessness, and guilt (as if we need more of those things). BUT.. Decluttering increases self-worth, creates healthy habits, and boosts productivity. It can also improve sleep, boost mood, and promote relaxation. Sign me up, please!

Remember, your environment is more than just walls and furniture. It’s a canvas where you paint your life’s masterpiece! Make it worthy of that. 

TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST SLEEP

Your body is the environment where you spend the most time.

It’s like your ride-or-die partner on this life journey.

You already know to eat healthy and exercise. But let’s talk about something you might not be focusing on… sleep! 

Your sleep environment matters more than you might think so create a cozy nest that helps you get the rest you need.

I know, it’s not sexy or super exciting (it is “sleep” after all) but don’t ignore this! 

Here are some tips to help:

1. Invest in a mattress and pillow that supports you.

2. Adjust the temperature so it’s cooler. 

3. Use blackout shades or curtains.

4. Toss in some earplugs to block out the sound.

5. Stick to a schedule. 

6. Turn off the screens in your bedroom. (Better yet, take them OUT of your bedroom altogether.)

If you wanna go deeper down the sleep rabbit hole, check out the book, Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson. And while you’re at it, pick up his new cookbook dropping soon! 

CREATING YOUR PERSONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Just like going back to a place you used to live, have you ever hung out with old friends and felt yourSELF reverting back to the person you used to be? 

I certainly have.

It’s just soooo easy to fall into old patterns and habits. They’re comfortable to your brain. 

Now, this isn’t to say you have to kick your old friends to the curb, it just means that you might want to audit the list of people you spend the most time with and start spending a little more time with people who support your Future SELF.

I’m sure by now you’ve heard Jim Rohn’s quote… “You are an average of the five people you spend the most time with.” 

If these people don’t pull you up or hold you to higher standards, you might need some new peeps to hang out with. 

It’s not about having a thousand friends.

It’s about surrounding yourself with people who lift you higher.

It’s about saying no to drama and negativity. Honestly, it’s exhausting and you deserve better. 

I’d like to invite you to consider creating a Personal Board of Directors. 

I came up with this idea when Zak and I were talking about a business we’ve invested in. Apparently, the company had shot down a new marketing idea because “the board” didn’t feel like it was the right move.

In that instant, I thought… I want a board!

I want some people I can run an idea past and have them say, “yay” or “nay”.

It can be hard making all the decisions and I’d like some help, thank you very much. 

So, I created my own Personal Board of Directors. And now, when I am considering a big move I call on “The Board”.

I get help, ask for advice and feel supported. I’m not alone. 

Who are five people YOU can get to be on YOUR Personal Board of Directors?

And what are the things you’ll get them to weigh in on? 

As always, the choice, is yours.