Over at Optimize.me, Brian Johnson likes to draw a distinction between two states: “energized tranquility” and “enervated anxiety.”
Energized tranquility is calm determination. It’s motivation mixed with confidence and hope.
Enervated anxiety is the opposite: a state of weakness, exhaustion, and worry. It’s burnout mixed with helplessness. And sadly, it’s what a lot of us feel on a regular basis.
Luckily, we can change that by knowing what state we want and how to get it. And while I love the concept of energized tranquility, I prefer simpler language. The ideal state that we want is a combination of fire and grace.
Having fire means having passion, drive, and energy. Having fire means exerting willpower and being proactive.
Having grace means having humility, kindness, and presence. Having grace means playing the equanimity game well – rolling with the punches, recovering quickly from adversity, and recommitting.
Grace sets you on the right path. Fire moves you along that path.
Grace finds joy. Fire spreads it.
To possess both fire and grace is a real-life superpower. But these aren’t all-or-nothing traits. Any step to increase either will improve your life.
You start your fire by taking action, and that action leads to more action. Fire begets fire.
You cultivate grace by serving a purpose beyond yourself. And the joy that comes from serving others maintains and expands your grace.
You fuel your fire with relentless learning. You grow your grace with daily wisdom.
You cultivate fire by taking care of yourself: sleeping enough, exercising, and eating well. You cultivate grace by practicing mindfulness and self-love, generosity and gratitude.
At least, that’s how it works for me.
What stokes your fire?
What helps you maintain grace?
Do a little more of each today.