What we are thankful for is at the top of everyone’s mind when Thanksgiving rolls around every year. Our family, friends, experiences, growth, and so many other things give us all many opportunities to be grateful. About four months ago, I was blessed with the fantastic opportunity to help two great friends, Austin Byler and Ray McIntire, with Major League University. The chance to provide tools to help so many handle mental battles that can come our way and share stories (my own and others) about persevering through life’s challenges have brought me so much joy.
Remembering what we are grateful for can help us stay grounded in life. As Major League University continues to grow and we are afforded more unique opportunities to impact lives, all of us here constantly remind ourselves to stay grounded and humble. Seeing all of your successes reminds us every day why we do what we do. You all are the driving factors that keep us pushing forward and looking for that next step to impact lives. You are what makes us want to help and give to others. You help keep us grounded.
What Does Staying Grounded Mean?
Staying grounded during the COVID-19 pandemic was very challenging. There was no denying that the uncertainty created by the pandemic was both difficult and stressful. We are constantly living in a world full of outside pressures, external chaos, and noise that try to drive us away from our internal beliefs or goals. When such a significant event causes so much tension, it makes more stressful situations and anxiety piles on top. At times all of the events may make your mind feel like it is constantly racing. You can find yourself running through a hundred million thoughts, leaving yourself focusing on what could go wrong or what went wrong in the past. When we lose our sense of certainty, it reminds us that we can let our minds get in the way of the goals we are trying to achieve. Will Klein of the Kansas City Royals said it best in the podcast this past week “Some guys are going to have physical limitations, but your mind can’t be one of them.”
Staying grounded helps you stay calm and connect to the core of who you are even through all of those outside pressures and uncertainty. It enables you to make sure that your mind isn’t a physical limitation. As we discussed in a previous blog, having a foundation you can always go back to is a key to staying grounded. Often, remaining grounded is constantly reminding yourself that there is only so much you can control and taking the steps necessary to focus your mind only on the things you can handle. It also means never letting the highs or the lows control how you act. Klein touched on this many times throughout the podcast. Even through all of his successes (like his ability to throw 102 mph), he always reminded himself there were ways he could get better. He always touched on how grateful he was for his skills and to all of those who helped get him where he was today. It may seem tricky, but there are many steps that you can take to help you stay grounded amid uncertainty and external chaos. They will not only help you but those around you as well.
What Can You Do to Help Yourself Stay Grounded?
- Appreciate the Simple Things: This can sometimes be hard to do with external pressures and uncertainty making you feel like the world is coming down around you. But even on a bad day, the little things can help turn around your perspective. Whether it is a sunny day, taking the time to stroll through nature, or doing a hobby that brings you joy. Taking the time to appreciate those little things we tend to forget every day can help get you back to a sense of calm.
- Find Your Foundation: Finding your foundation is key to helping you stay grounded. A strong foundation will help you power through any new challenges, times of strife, or times of failure. Your foundation will help pick you right back up off your feet and allow you to crush the next challenge that comes your way. It will enable you to reflect and figure out what you need to push through those mental barriers next time they come around.
- Practice Gratitude: The importance of journaling and writing down what you are grateful for is something we strongly advocate for here at Major League University. Constantly reminding yourself what you are thankful for can quickly help you tune out the external chaos that comes with life. Remind yourself daily what you are thankful for. Writing down one to three things that you are grateful for every day can help remind you what your purpose is and the people around you who helped turn you into the unique person you are today.
- Find Time to Take a Break: With 24/7 access to social media, screens, and other technologies, it can seem impossible to get away from unnecessary distractions. Find time to turn off the noise. Find ways to switch gears and get your mind to focus on something different. Taking a walk, meditating, or reading are little things you can do to give your mind a break from the outside noise.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health: This one is essential. When you lose your sense of being grounded, your emotions might feel like they are all over the place. Take time to put routines in place that help your mental and emotional well-being. Don’t be afraid to seek out help from others or professionals. If you are ever looking for support, help is out there.
- Give Back and Be Kind: Whenever you feel lost, giving back and doing acts of service can bring back a sense of meaning and purpose. Whether volunteering at an animal shelter, homeless shelter, or just doing something for others, find something that inspires you to help and maybe inspires others. While giving back, remember to be kind and know that we are going through the challenges of life together. Remember that you are not alone, and you can be there for someone else. Having a little bit of gratitude can go a long way.
