I want to talk about context this week, in terms of where we find ourselves, the surroundings, the environment and how this can
affect us, our perceptions, our feelings and how we might relate to the world. You only have to think about the difference a bright sunny day feels to a cold, grey one… The context of the environment influences our thoughts, our emotions and can even cloud our judgement.
For example I would consider myself a lover of exercise and movement, but I know that if it's dark, wet and cold outside my motivation to get out for a walk or a cycle ride takes a big hit. However, if I change the context by choosing my favourite music or podcast to listen to when I am out, that gives a spike to my motivation. I am no longer focusing on the weather, I am focusing on the opportunity and time I will get to
listen to something I love.
Obviously when it comes to things like the weather we can’t change it, but what we can do is consciously change the context of where we are within that environment.
We all know that if we have difficult conversations to have with a family member or a friend or work colleague then we want to choose a space that won’t be confrontational. The context of the conversation
can be so different over a cup of coffee sitting on a sofa, than standing in a corridor. The conscious change to the context of where the conversation takes place will have a major impact on mood and attitude for all parties not just yourself.
So let’s think about a specific setting where you spend lots of time and think about how that environment impacts you and why you like to spend time there. Then think about what you can do to carry that context with you and how you can use it to maximise your mood, your energy and your focus.
