Your time is now

Oftentimes we are reminded of the need to change when something goes wrong: we sleep poorly, we suffer with aches and pains or we feel consumed by stress and an over-full agenda. We are then forced to do something to prevent a pain from worsening. But can we take conscious action in favour of our wellbeing without having our back pushed against the wall?

The WQ Connect program was created out of a Growth Mindset. Rather than fix symptoms, it was designed to encourage you to become aware of different aspects of your life and see where you could make a positive contribution to your wellbeing. We are confident that everyone can find at least one aspect or part of the program that can help improve and enhance one’s connection – with self or others, with body or mind, with team or individuals, at work or in one’s private life.

Focus

In the first block of WQ Connect we looked at mental focus: what it takes to stay concentrated on the task at hand, what can derail you and how to train your focus muscle. We suggested tried & tested ways to set yourself up for better focus, from paying attention to your mindset to arranging your physical environment to ensuring that you take sufficient breaks. We also recommended different ways to train your focus muscle, because focus and attention are as trainable and open to improvement as the physical body muscles.

Connect

Block Two looked at emotional connections – how to enhance human relationships (whether at work or at home), particularly in times of enforced physical disconnect. We looked – how could we not, in the Age of Teams – at the pitfalls of digital communication, and how these can be overcome (a funny comment will break any ice, even digital one). We then went into the deep end, into what it takes to truly understand others: empathy, listening, sincerity and a personal approach. It was a crash course in enhancing emotional intelligence skills, and we are confident everyone can improve some skills in this area.

Renew

Block Three redirected attention to recharging your ‘energy batteries’ and taking care of personal recovery on every level – physical, mental, emotional or purpose-related. We looked at reducing stress by recharging effectively, and at crafting one’s job to maximize job satisfaction and fulfilment.

Make it happen

Along the way we included many tips and ideas around behavioural change, from making tiny, simple changes that easily stick to repeating them often (and then again), to attaching them to current behaviour patterns and more. To learn more about the ten strategies for successful change that we shared during the program, download the audiobook ‘Crossing the gap’ below!

We ended with mindset management strategies (what internal thoughts are blocking or derailing you?) topped up by tips from Harvard Professor Dan Shapiro on the Five Core Concerns (or needs) every person has in any kind of human relationship. Very handy!

We hope that the variety of themes and strategies on offer motivated you to learn something new and be inspired to fine-tune one or more areas of your life. In a fast-changing, unpredictable world, we can all do with good tools that increase our resilience through better physical energy, sharper focus, enhanced human connections and a positive mindset that is ready and able to tackle life’s challenges.

Moving forward, look back and check what new habits and rituals – however small – you can adopt to allow you to focus on the essential, derive support from the people around you (and offer it back in return) and replenish your energy on all levels. Do not wait for circumstances to shake you up. Take the initiative and build your strength in ways that prepare and empower you to face whatever lies ahead with grace and stamina.

Your time is now.