Preferences
A Blog by Ben Harper
Are you left handed or right handed? Do you prefer Apple or Android? Jazz or Pop?
Does it make a difference?
Well it makes a difference to you, especially if you’re been asked to endure the opposite to your preference.
It was not that long ago that children were berated by teachers for being left handed, and forced to write with their right hand, something that is still common in certain parts of the world. We have a more enlightened view, and see our hand dominance as a preference not a indicator of anything else.
And think of the passionate debates that are created around the virtues of Apple and Android – this stuff really matters to people.
The thing is, most of us CAN operate outside of our preference if we have to. But to do so, requires more energy, more conscious thought, more conflictedness.
In order to be well, to flourish, it’s good for us to make sure we’re spending MOST of our time working WITHIN our preference. It’s the space we feel most ourselves, the most congruent, the most comfortable.
The unique way we think, operate, interrelate is valuable to the world around us - we should never apologise for our preferences, and similarly never make anyone apologise for theirs. We need to find ways of using our preferences to our advantage, and the advantage of others. Simple things like whether we’re more of a morning person, or evening person, more of an indoors person or an outdoors person, more of an introverted thinker or extroverted thinker. All of these have their benefits, and none are better than any other. Spending time doing things within our preferences will bring us life, energy, motivation.
So consider your day today:
What has felt energising?
Where and when have you felt most alive?
What has felt draining? Where and when have you felt stretched?
What does this tell you about your preferences?
What shifts would be needed in the short term, medium term, longer term to mean you’re spending more time doing things that are most you?
If you made these changes you’d probably look at life more positively and your wellbeing would definitely receive a positive boost.
Think about where you operate well, what your preferences are.
Why not let us know your thoughts on this blog, message us via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook below. You can carry on the conversation with Ben on his Twitter page @wellbeingteach.