How to Stay Grounded in Reality – 10 Traits Grounded People Display

“Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.” ~ Tony Schwartz

As Beth drove to work, a car cut in front of her and nearly caused an accident. So many things were going wrong with her day. She’d spilled coffee on her shirt and had to rush and change. The thick frost on the driveway caused her to slip and fall. Was the whole day going to be one long disaster? Not at all!

Beth in one of the most grounded people I know. Because she practices mindfulness, she is completely present in the moment. Even under trying circumstances, she knows how to regain control of her mental and emotional self. She doesn’t let external forces change who she is. Would you like to be more like Beth?

Life today is so stressful, many wonder how to stay grounded in reality, when the world is falling apart around you. If you could use greater peace of mind, I invite you to learn and practice the following 10 traits grounded people display.

1. Be fearless. Losing your cool during a crisis isn’t cool. A grounded person can remain calm and hold it together, so she can help others and bring out the best in them.

2. Be reliable and trustworthy. A grounded person will live up to her word and keep her promises, even if it’s hard. This one trait will make you indispensible, because this trait is in short supply today. Of course, it takes honest self-assessment before you give your word, so you know you can follow through.

3. Be morally and ethically strong. Grounded people hold themselves to a high standard. This prevents the morning-after-regrets. It doesn’t mean you’re a stick in the mud. You can have fun and be spontaneous, after you quickly think through how an action is going to impact you and others long-term.

4. Be interdependent. A grounded person knows it’s not all about her. She has an honest assessment of herself and knows when she needs other people and when other people need her.

5. Be confident. How we feel about ourselves and how we treat others is all about constantly adjusting our “dials”. Turning this up; toning that down. Every new situation brings an opportunity to fine tune our “dials”until we become the person we aspire to be. Ultimately, a grounded person arrives at the balance of loving and respecting self and others. That balance produces self-confidence.

6. Be resourceful. Nothing stops grounded people from moving forward, because they know there’s always a work-around.

7. Be courageous. Grounded people don’t get caught up in people pleasing. They know who they are, what they stand for and can respectfully share their views with others. They also can discern when to hold their tongues.

8. Be yourself. So many people try to “fix” what they don’t like about their lives. Grounded people are comfortable in their own skin and they fully enjoy each moment they live.

9. Be part of a supportive community. Grounded people can model strong convictions, without alienating others. People flock to them, because they want to absorb the same emotional state. It creates a self-fulfilling prophecy.

10. Be emotionally intelligent. Grounded people don’t let their past dictate their future. They learn from past failures or mistakes and don’t let them limit their action in the future. They work with a therapist or a coach when they get stuck.

If you still need to process some past events so you can stay current, positive and future oriented, I’d love to partner with you. Please connect with me and fill out the short form to receive your 30-minute complimentary consultation — “Unlocking Your Potential.” We can connect in-person, by phone or via Skype.