“Optimism is a tool that permits us to solve problems more effectively. If used wisely, it brings enthusiasm, inspiration and hope to projects that benefit from them.”

– Seth Godin on optimism

Wellness Tip:

Try New Ways To Celebrate Wins

Have you given yourself a pat on the back lately? Celebrating wins (even small ones) is a powerful way to stay positive and motivated. 🙌

There are many different ways to do that, so why not mix it up? Here are a few ideas:

• Write them down. It’s simple, but it works! That’s why we’ve made recording wins a key part of Panda Planner. Writing by hand also triggers more brain activity and encodes things better in memory.
• Give yourself a treat. Maybe it’s something edible, maybe it’s time spent doing something you enjoy.
• Involve others. Share your success with people you love. 
• Express gratitude. Be thankful for your progress and appreciate your hard work.

So, how are you celebrating your wins this week?

Productivity Tip:

Use The Pygmalion Effect

Your beliefs have the power to define reality. If you have high expectations of someone, they’ll rise to meet them. If you have low expectations, they’ll underperform. 

That’s according to the Pygmalion Effect, which states that our expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies. Just imagine the power you hold! 🤯

So here’s the cool thing: that means that raising your expectations of yourself and others will help everyone perform better. 

This explains more about how the Pygmalion Effect works and how you can use it to your advantage. Give it a read, and let us know how it works for you. We believe in you!

Routine Breakdown

Shivraj Bassi, Founder and CEO of Innermost

“For me, wellness is the process of making choices that ultimately lead to you looking, feeling and performing your best,” says Shivraj Bassi. He:

• Wakes at 5 am and goes into work early.
• Listens to podcasts in the car. “Some of my favourites include Today In Focus and Politics Weekly by The Guardian, Hardcore History by Dan Carlin, The Memory Palace, Serial and various business and marketing-related podcasts.”
• Does a workout at the office – weight-lifting, cardio, or a mixture of both.
• Has a healthy breakfast, usually with seeds, berries, and oats.

Why it works:

• A number of studies (like this one) support the benefits of early rising.
• Podcasts are a great way to learn and stimulate the brain.
• Morning workouts? Yes please. (Same goes for healthy breakfasts!)

Shivraj’s advice on staying healthy? “Experiment to find what works for you and do things that make you happy. Don’t set unrealistic goals and don’t fall into the trap of measuring yourself against somebody else. We’re all different and that’s what makes life interesting.”

Is your morning routine working for you? If not, what new things can you try?