10% Happier… Plus a recent launch for a consulting studio in NC

Written By Kimberly Palmer
 

I recently finished 10% Happier by Dan Harris, a long time anchor for ABC who had a mental breakdown on national TV and eventually found meditation. The read was inspired by a client of mine, Bill Burke, founder of The Optimism Institute and Blue Sky Podcast.

My interest started to build after listening to the interview, but what got me was the title… “10% Happier”… what was this about? Why 10%? That sounds like an achievable goal… What is Dan doing that I’m not?

There were many takeaways for my personal growth, but several of these I can apply to my work expectations. These are not going to happen overnight. As a matter of fact, I think they will be a daily practice for me for a long time. Here are my top 5 that aren’t necessarily part of Dan’s list, but were inspired by his story:

  1. Responding, not reacting
    This is a big one for me. It simply means to take a beat — collect our thoughts so that we can respond to a situation rather than react to it. Now, this doesn’t mean we have to scale back our passion or operate passively, but acknowledge the moment and the thought before powerwashing the entire situation.

  2. Observation
    In my adult years I have become better at this. For those who know me, I like to engage, talk, laugh, and am very hands on. For me, this one means to stay curious, listen, ask questions, and know that I don’t always need to be the one to chime in.

  3. Thoughtfulness
    A little more straightforward here, but basically a reminder to be thoughtful about what we are doing… slowing down, simplifying movement, directing attention to our breath and body.

  4. Compassion
    In Dan’s terms simply put, “don’t be a dick”. We can have warm, friendly relationships without losing our edge. If practiced in the right way, it can help us stand up for ourselves and others.

  5. Slowing down while working hard
    Does accomplishing a challenging list fuel you? Are you thrown off of your game if these tasks are not complete? I am starting to realize, however, there is a big difference between turning the wheel and spinning the wheel, in life and in work. I think slowing down means being intentional and not letting outside distractions cause a reboot every time we are trying to multitask. It may seem counterproductive to do one thing at a time (what?!), but after reading this book, it makes more sense.

Am I ready to meditate? Maybe. Do I think there are many forms of meditation? Yes. Dan does a good job at keeping it real with a side of skepticism, but at the end of the day knows there are things we can do to control how we internalize a situation. And if we continue on this path it might just make us more than 10% happier.

Here’s to krushing it,

K

“The only thing you can control is how you handle it. There’s no point in being unhappy about things you can’t change, and no point being unhappy about things you can. Striving is fine, as long as it’s tempered by the realization that, in an entropic universe, the final outcome is out of your control.””
— Dan Harris

A recent project:
Up From Here Consulting Studio

A recent launch, and I thought fitting for this email. Up From Here is a boutique consulting studio that enables impact investment firms, social good startups, NGOs, and social impact leaders to think, act, and speak like digital media brands to establish heart, mind, and market share. A company that exclusively serves those driven to push the world forward by facing down its greatest challenges.

Looking forward to seeing Founder Michael’s good work in the near future. It was a pleasure working with you my friend. Thanks for the witty banter and for trusting me with the visual side of your business.

SOME OTHER THINGS WORTH CHECKING OUT


Listening to: Hajaj… High No More

Shopping small: Recently bought my new favorite tee shirt, tank and jumpsuit and Woodees in Westerly, RI. Bonus: really cute guys stuff too if you’re looking for fathers day.

Inspired by: Nelly Korda. Just her entire vibe. The humblest hustle I’ve ever seen.

New to my summer skincare routine: Tula Face Mist. I have sensitive, dry skin and this feels like such a refreshing treat. And while you’re on the site, this also feels awesome and you don’t have to cut cucumbers up.

 

AI was not used in the making of this entry.

Anything I recommend in my emails I have tested for a length of time and love.
I am not paid for anything I recommend, though I’m happy to be paid (only if I think it is that good).

 
Kimberly Palmer
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15 years of KRUSH (plus… my very first newsletter)