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Throughout June on The Stress Less Show, we’ve been focusing on all of the conversations, emotions, and events that have been unfolding in response to the recent protests and racial injustices happening every day in this country. And while in the last month, positive steps toward progress have been made in many industries, states, and communities to address the systemic racism in our country, this fight is not - and cannot be - merely a trend. The work that many of us may have begun for the first time in the last few weeks is only just getting started. That’s why today, I wanted to come on the show solo to talk about what I am doing in my own life to continue addressing racism and share my perspective and tips on how we can keep making real changes moving forward.
Tip #1: Take an Inventory
Right now, you might be feeling stuck and unsure of what to do to help and make a difference - especially if you are white like me. What I would like to encourage you to start with is taking an inventory of your actions in the past.
Reflect on the times you have and have not taken action against racism. Investigate some of the subconscious and automatic thoughts and beliefs you have around race and consider how you feel about these thoughts. Take a thorough inventory and sit with whatever comes up for you as you reflect on these past experiences and thoughts.
As you do this, keep in mind that this inventory is not about shaming yourself for your past mistakes or actions that you may not proud of. Shame does not lead to progress. The goal of this inventory is to let go of the past mistakes and beliefs we may be holding onto and clarifying for ourselves where we can improve, what we can change within ourselves, and how we can contribute to the greater good.
Tip #2: Identify At Least One Area to Improve and Take Action
Once we have sat down and taken a comprehensive inventory of ourselves and our experiences around race, the next step is to focus on the areas where you can improve so you can begin to take action.
For example, I’ve considered myself to be no stranger to conversations about race and racism in the past. However, as I took my own inventory, I noticed that one area I was ashamed of was the lack of diversity among the guests on The Stress Less Show. While there are other areas on my list I will be working on, the diversity of guests on my show is where I am committing to start.
Tip #3: Reach Out to Someone to Hold You Accountable to These Measurable Actions
Finally, the last and most important step in creating lasting change is accountability. It is not enough to say we are going to make a change, we need to see it through. Find someone you trust that you can share your commitments with and will hold you accountable to them. Another key thing to remember is that the actions you commit to need to be measurable in some way so that when the person you have shared your commitment with checks in with you, you have a clear understanding of how you are progressing and can communicate it with them.
Once you have begun to make real progress in one area, go back to the first step and identify another area you can focus on. Take another action towards change and keep repeating the process moving forward. We may not be able to change the world overnight, but by preparing for the long haul and taking one step forward at a time, we can create change that lasts.