How hard is it for you to regulate your own environment? How well do manage your resources? Forget it - you can’t look to the United States government or most of the developing countries of the world for a role model - they stink at it. Why?

My theory is because it’s just not sexy.

Hard driving results, buzzing with energy, over the top in productivity … These are the standards the US has set — and it’s hard to beat. I’ve struggled for years with this notion. While everyone around me was living the fast-paced life, I was barely holding on. I couldn’t be that super mom with two kids and still hold a job — and stay out of the hospital. I couldn’t be a stay-at-home mom who took long runs in the morning with friends while the kids were in school — or serve supper to the kid’s soccer team of 40 while balancing a million balls in the air.

Finally, my contemporaries are looking at 60 and realizing the resources can be depleted if you push too hard (so much for being a smart ass who knew this at 30!). The concept of conserving your resources doesn’t appeal when working and playing hard is the norm.

But when you live with a chronic illness, it’s just not a choice. At least not if you want to keep playing in the game. When the old image doesn’t fit, you have to create a new one that does.

Here’s an exercise I designed for a client:

1. Start by digging deep - look into yourself. Ask yourself, What is my image of a successful, appealing person - someone I’d want to be around, someone I’d want to hire? You might draw this or write it.
2. Take a good hard look at this image. Is this really as attractive as you think? Why or why not? Does this person have the qualities necessary for the long run - sustainability? Can you sustain it - given your health - and is it worth it?
3. Notice the gaps. Are there parts of that person that you would hold onto and parts that you see don’t work?
4. Design a new image. Now, create a different image of “you” - one who would be more adaptable to the reality of your body and your environment - a new you that others find appealing and attractive.

Make this your first step toward becoming comfortable in “being green” — - and conserving your resources!

You can find out more about the next steps you can take in my Career Thrive Guidebook, “Make It Happen” and the other booklets. Are you still stuck pushing too hard or are you doing something to conserve?

Rosalind aka cicoach.com