Stop Chasing Peaks: Build a Baseline For Aliveness
In my last post, Forget Happiness: Here’s What You Really Need, I explored the idea that aliveness—a deep, vibrant connection to life itself—matters far more than the fleeting pursuit of happiness.
I introduced a simple yet powerful formula:
A = B × C × D²
This equation reveals that aliveness is not a random gift but a state you can intentionally cultivate. It’s shaped by three key factors:
B (Baseline): The steady rhythm of your physical, mental, and emotional state.
C (Conditions): The environment and circumstances you live in.
D (Decisions): The choices you make every day, amplified by their consistency and power.
Each part of this formula contributes to the overall sense of being fully alive. Today, I want to focus on Baseline—the foundation upon which aliveness is built.
The Foundation of Aliveness
It’s easy to mistake aliveness for the big, bold moments: the adrenaline of a new adventure, the rush of achieving something meaningful, or the glow of connection in a deep conversation. But what sustains you in the quiet moments? What gives you the capacity to engage with these highs in the first place?
That’s where baseline comes in.
Your baseline is your default state—your internal rhythm of energy and focus. It’s not about the highs or lows but the consistent hum that determines how you experience the world. Some people naturally carry a higher baseline—they wake up curious and ready to embrace the day. Others may struggle, feeling drained before the day has even begun.
The good news is that your baseline isn’t fixed. It’s adaptable, though the shifts happen gradually. With care and intention, you can nurture a stronger foundation—one that supports you in showing up fully and experiencing life more vividly.
What Shapes Your Baseline?
Your baseline is influenced by a mix of factors that work together to shape your sense of vitality:
Physical State: Sleep, nutrition, and movement fuel your energy reserves and resilience.
Mental Patterns: The thoughts you allow to take root—whether empowering or limiting—determine how you engage with the world.
Emotional Resilience: Your ability to navigate challenges and regulate your emotions affects how steady your baseline feels.
Understanding these elements is the first step toward strengthening your foundation.
Strengthening Your Baseline
Creating a strong baseline is not about making sweeping changes overnight. It’s about small, intentional actions that, over time, transform your default state into one that supports aliveness:
Prioritize Recovery: Energy is the fuel for aliveness. Guard your sleep, nutrition, and downtime as you would any high-priority task. Rest is not optional—it’s foundational.
Create Stability: Simplify wherever possible. A calm, organized environment—both physically and emotionally—makes it easier to feel present and engaged.
Tune Your Mind: Pay attention to the stories you tell yourself. Practices like mindfulness or journaling can help you challenge unhelpful patterns and focus on what truly enlivens you.
Reflect and Adjust: Think about how you’ve handled challenges in the past. Where did you thrive, and where did you falter? Use these insights to strengthen your foundation for the future.
Building a Life of Aliveness
Aliveness doesn’t come from chasing fleeting highs. It grows from a foundation of vitality, resilience, and intention. By investing in your baseline, you create the conditions for aliveness to flourish—not as an occasional peak but as an everyday experience.
Your baseline may feel stable, but it is not static. With time and effort, it can grow stronger, creating fertile ground for even the most ordinary moments to feel extraordinary.
So, ask yourself: What does my baseline feel like today? How can I nurture it tomorrow?
Start here, and you’ll find that aliveness isn’t waiting at the top of the mountain. It’s in the steady rhythm of your every step.
If you’re interested in learning more, I’d love to help you explore your own aliveness. Subscribe to stay connected, or sign up for a free introductory session so we can work together 1-to-1 and accelerate your development.