Finding My Spark Again: Mindset, Energy, and a Few Simple Shifts

Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit meh—like every day blends into the next and not much really changes.

Running a small business often feels like an endless cycle. There’s always more to do, the to-do list never ends, and I spend hours at the computer with very few full days off. It’s no wonder I started feeling a bit same old same old.

The last time I felt like this was just before lockdown, and that experience gave me a big reminder of what helps me reset.

The First Time I Focused on Mindset

Back then, I joined an online 28-day challenge called Unstoppable with Paul Mort. It was all about mindset—how shifting our thinking can make us better equipped to deal with whatever life throws our way.

It was the first mindset training I’d ever done, and it had a big impact. I still use some of those strategies today—like:

• Creating a “happiness buffet” to draw from

• Writing down three things I’m grateful for

• Making sure I have something to look forward to

But over time, these habits slipped onto autopilot. And I realised that it’s often the conscious thinking about gratitude or joy that actually sparks the good feelings.

So I decided to revisit Paul’s work.

Back to Basics

Paul released a book last year, which I bought but never opened—until now. My new morning routine is to read a few pages and then put one lesson into practice.

The very first? Smile.

Even if it feels forced, smiling tricks the brain into releasing the same chemicals as a genuine smile. That little shift can send your thoughts towards something that genuinely makes you happy, creating a positive feedback loop.

It’s simple, but powerful. (And yes, people may wonder what you’re smiling about...)

Energy and Mood Go Hand in Hand

One of Paul’s reminders was that low energy and low mood are often linked. The fix? Change your physiology.

Even something as simple as sitting tall or shifting your posture can lift your energy levels. That’s why public speakers often use the “power pose” (or the Wonder Woman pose!).

For me, WalkFit is my energy booster. A session first thing in the morning gives me focus and momentum that lasts for hours. So now, even on days I’m not teaching, I’ve started adding in a mini WalkFit just for myself.

Building an Energy Menu

Paul suggests creating a list of energy-boosting habits to call on when you hit a slump. Here are a few of mine:

• WalkFit for mobility and steps

• Getting outside for fresh air and a change of scenery

• Actually moving when my watch tells me to (though I may need something more persistent than a gentle buzz!)

• Focused breathing at my desk—just one or two minutes of calm, almost like a mini meditation

 Apparently 20 minutes of meditation is equivalent to 4 hours of sleep. So I’m hoping my 2 minutes gives me an extra 24 minutes of energy!

What Happened When I Tried

I put these small shifts into practice last week, and you know what? I got more done. I felt more productive. And that sense of achievement lifted my mood.

Sometimes it’s the little changes that make the biggest difference.

Want More?

I’ll keep sharing Paul’s tips as I work through his book. Let me know if you’d like me to pass on more of these ideas—I’d love to share them with you.

Sarah x