Living a Sustainable Life: Part 3

For many, sustainable living seems unattainable due to factors like socioeconomic status, gender, race, or perceived lack of talent. This belief stems from the constraints and limitations imposed by these aspects, making it appear that sustainable practices are beyond their reach. However, these barriers do not dictate our potential to live sustainably; instead, they challenge us to find innovative ways to integrate sustainable practices into our daily lives. Sustainable living is not reserved for a privileged few but is achievable for everyone with the right mindset and resources. Plus- you don't have to transform overnight magically! A few changes at a time is ok!

The idea that sustainability isn't for you is one of the biggest illusions in our life.

The illusion stems from the belief that we are "lacking" in a particular area, which makes us undeserving of true prosperity and abundance. This keeps us from taking the steps to create a new life. Hence, the idea that you are quite possibly your weakest link.

Sustainable Living is for All

Anything that we truly align with is right there in front of us. It is right there for us to tap into, but it requires inner knowing, part of our unique blueprint in this human experience.

Life is too short to be held back by self-limiting beliefs and fear. There is so much potential, creativity, and talent to be tapped into by various individuals throughout our planet. Trusting yourself is the biggest key to unlocking your true potential. Having a positive relationship and believing in yourself will also improve your relationships with others.

Don't listen to the narrative someone is pushing onto you. It’s not the opinions of people online; it’s what you believe deep down inside and what you know to be true for your path. Social media is new and often dumb- please don't be a victim!

Through the media and others, we constantly see that if something doesn’t work out for us the first time, it isn’t meant to be. With our need for instant gratification (and the dopamine release that comes from it), we feel that whatever we attempt has to be perfect the first time for it to be worthy of pursuing. Simultaneously, if something seems too outside of our wheelhouse, it seems easier not even to try rather than risk failing. We want to avoid self-judgment and the judgment of others.

Regardless of Your Circumstances, It Is Worth Pursuing Your Passions

Remember, if it is something that you are passionate about and that you consistently think about, you are worthy of it. If you can't stop thinking about it and you know it will align with your dreams, it is worth pursuing.

Every decision we make is either a choice that will empower or disempower us. - John Assaraf

There are several ways to reclaim your power and create new habits that support your ideal life.

Step One: Listening to personal development podcasts and audiobooks:

There are various options depending on the niche you’re focused on. Do we claim these books can change your life overnight? No.

However, they can help you see where in your life you’re being held back by limiting beliefs or habits and give you a basis for creating a more stable foundation.

Audiobooks and podcasts are great for when you’re on the go, or your eyes are tired from staring at a computer screen all day. We love to listen to them while we drive, hike, exercise, clean and have some downtime. It’s an awesome way to get some inspiration if you’re feeling stagnant in your life!

Step Two: Becoming aware of our self-limiting beliefs

When we begin to analyze what is and is not working, it can be easy to blame everything outside us.

However, it is important to be conscious of any self-imposed limitations we may be acting out of. This leads us to the concept of reclaiming our power.

We are our worst critics, and the thing holding us back from our true potential.

We can begin to make many excuses for why we can’t achieve something when, in reality, if we work past those barriers, there is so much potential for us to tap into. Don't let fear and anxiety control you; let it fuel you as an obstacle to conquer.

It may not be easy at first, but the most successful people in life can realize what is standing in their way and actively work to shift their mindset to a more supportive one.

Step Three: Create a routine that you practice repeatedly.

Repetition is essential to creating better habits. Creating a beneficial habit will help create new neural pathways within your brain, whether daily, weekly, or monthly.

This can include but is not limited to:

1. Creating healthier eating habits

2. Cutting back on habits such as drinking or smoking

3. Taking time to be present (less time on socials)

4. Exercising or stretching (especially if you spend all day on a computer)

5. Reading 1-3 books a month to sharpen your brain

6. Taking one small action monthly to build your business/brand

7. Giving back to your local community

8. Developing a sleep hygiene routine

9. Finding more opportunities to be creative

10. Learning something new that has NOTHING to do with your job

The brain responds to repetition. The more you repeat healthy habits, the more they become natural to you. Old, unfulfilling habits will start to fade away as you practice new ones. Remember to take it one step at a time, as we can easily become overwhelmed by too much change.

Be gentle in the process, and watch how your life changes. Following your truest path is remembering your skills and personal talents that nobody else has and that no one else can take from you. You were designed to live a life of vibrancy. Operate from that perspective, and life will continuously reflect that on you.

Now that we have tackled a bit of the mental component, how can you break down some of the internal walls that prevent you from changing how you operate your business? How can you step outside your box and challenge yourself to think and do things differently when it comes to sustainable and ethical business practices and decisions?

Create a timeline to serve as a guide with lofty and simple goals. Be lenient on yourself, especially if you are a solo operation. Running a business is not easy and never will be. But entrepreneurs don't start businesses to do something easy; they start businesses so that they can do something new or different and become their own boss.