What is meant by Up Leveling and how to do it

I love the phrase “up level” and use it often.  simply put, it means to improve your current situation.  To go beyond where you have ever been before by shifting your thoughts and mindset and then taking brave action on those thoughts and turning them into a life that is more aligned with who you are.  To release yourself from the things that keep you in low energy or are preventing you from growth.  It’s basically when you stop long enough to take a hard look at your current chapter in life and decide it’s time to grow, pivot, raise your value, and make a change to be better tomorrow than you were yesterday.     

YESSSS!  Just talking about up leveling gets me excited.  This way of living is what leads my every day, going beyond what I've ever done before is what gets me out of bed and inspires me to take on the day.  I’ve evolved through so many different chapters along my journey that i can now tell when it’s time to grow and when i’m exactly where i’m supposed to be. 

When you truly start to become aware of what no longer serves you it’s like this new level of joy enters your life that you didn’t even know was possible.  Opportunities start to land in your lap; positive energy starts to flow your way and life starts to feel easier.  

So, for those of you who find yourself wanting to create, experience, grow into a better version of yourself here are a few thoughts and hacks for making it happen.

1. BECOME AWARE OF FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS TO GAIN CLARITY:  Take time with pen and paper and ask yourself these questions for all areas of your life. Gain clarity by becoming aware of how you feel about the different areas of your life.  What area of my life do i feel stuck or stagnant?  What area do i feel really good in right now?  If there were no obstacles, doubts, skill required what crazy dreams/goals would i go after?  what is holding me back right now?  Once you have a few thoughts written down decide to up level at least one area of your life and focus on it. What is your next step to get started? what will you do to move closer to more joy in this area of your life?  This is how your plan of action begins.

-Finances/career

-Health/wellbeing

-Relationships 

-Spiritual/soul/self

-Fun/adventure 

Hack: Use a journal daily for thoughts & questions similar to the ones above to find the answers to next level living

2. MINDSET: 90% of what holds you back is in your thoughts!  It’s all in your head; seriously this has been the area i’ve worked the most in the last few years in order to move past old stories I used to tell myself.  It’s amazing how different your life becomes when you change negative thoughts to positive ones.  Tell your mind exciting things; talk yourself out of the negative. Talk to yourself like you would to your very best friend.  Say the next sentence here at least 3x’s in a row so it will really stick and resonate. 

WHAT YOU TELL YOURSELF IS WHAT WILL COME TRUE. YOUR MIND DOES WHATEVER YOU TELL IT TO DO. If you tell yourself you are fat, un successful, not enough, not worthy then that is exactly what your mind will give you. There is research to back this up.

Hack:  Say daily affirmations, meditate, listen to podcasts, and spend an hour a day connecting with your self.

3. NOT ENOUGH TIME OR IT’S A PRIORITY:  Which one do you tell yourself when it comes to the areas of your life you need to work on?  People who up level themselves don’t allow excuses to get in the way. They instead find a way. It’s important to make time for both the things you need to work on as well as the things that fulfill your soul.  
4. BODY:  What are you doing to expand your body to the next level, release stress, stay in shape, and commit to a better way of living?  What is one thing that you know you should change when it comes to health and wellness?  Drink less alcohol, take in the outdoors, go to the doctor, meditate?   Choose one thing that will up level how your body feels and operates.
5. HAVING THE RIGHT INTENTIONS BREAK BAD HABITS: From experience i’ve found that having an inner intention, instead of a materialistic goal or desire keeps you on track.  Having an intention that is bigger than the habit I'm trying to change is key.  For example the intention of expanding, evolving, greater level of fun, connectedness, abundance, safety, freedom, wisdom are all motivators that are bigger than old habits.  When you feel like you want to go back to an old habit that no longer serves you, remember your intention.  

Tell yourself 

-“i’d rather feel a greater level of freedom, than debt from this new purchase.” 

-“expanding my health is more important than another glass of wine.”

-“connectedness is more important to me than proving my opinion is right.” 

6. PURPOSEFUL ACTION:

-      change your morning routine – make the 1sthour of your day time to connect with yourself (journal, exercise, meditate, etc)

-      focus on expansion - do only the things that grow you.  Release, let go of and step away from the activities, situations and people that no longer serve you and your next growth chapter.

-      take small steps daily - take small steps consistently from a place of enjoying the journey instead of thinking of the destination.

7. WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR:  Take daily inventory of what you are grateful for. You can be grateful for the sunshine, the smell of grass, the country that you live in, etc.  There is always something to be grateful for.  Form some type of a daily gratitude practice, as it will anchor positive feelings into your brain and body. 

Hack: Keep a grateful journal on your bedside table and every night write down 3 things you are grateful for.

If you found value in this, you guys, please share this blog post with your team, co-workers, spouse, anyone who you think would find value in this.  Make sure you get out there today and do one thing that will make you better than you were yesterday.  

Cheers,

Michell