It’s hard to believe 2022 is just around the corner. I’m thankful for another inspiring year at Wambi, helping hospitals leverage the power of gratitude and connection to appreciate staff, elevate patient voices, and ultimately transform culture.

As the year comes to an end, I find myself contemplating my New Year’s resolutions and feeling inspired by the positivity shared from those closest to me as well as the many I’ve connected with virtually. Popular New Year’s resolutions are generally about eating better, getting more exercise, and saving money. While those are on the top of my list too, I hope that as you reflect on the events that happened in 2021, and look ahead to a better and brighter New Year, you consider adding growing through fearlessness to your list!

At Wambi, fearlessness is one of our five core values. The values of gratitude, compassion, imagination, joy, and fearlessness are the essence of who we are, from the foundation of our Wambi platform, to our connected company culture.

As you integrate these values into your growth journey, I want to share a few of my personal recommendations for approaching 2022 with fearlessness:

• Step out of your comfort zone
• Change the dynamic of who you think you are
• Focus on the positive

For me, being fearless means stepping out of my personal comfort zone and stepping into the world of unknown and uncertainty. Although I may feel nervous or apprehensive about trying something new, I know that pushing myself past my typical boundaries helps me to grow. How do we push ourselves to step out of our preconceived circle of comfort? It starts with your mindset. Trust yourself and know that outside of your comfort circle lies your fortune.

When I first began my sales career I was so uncomfortable with the array of tasks that I needed to complete in order to be successful. Then, my mentor shared with me a critical learning that shifted my mindset and shaped my life moving forward. My life was explained as a pendulum, where a weight is suspended from a fixed point so that it can swing back and forth under the influence of gravity. On one side of the pendulum swing was everything I was willing to do, and on the opposite side was everything I had in my life. My mentor shared that in order to get the things I wanted out of life the pendulum would have to swing a little further outside of its existing realm. This meant that I had to do the things I was uncomfortable doing in order to get the things I so strongly desired but could not yet obtain. This powerful concept made me fearless, knowing that by stepping into the discomfort and outside of my current realm, I could grasp my dreams.

I admit that this mindset can be challenging and will take time! It’s important to practice self-compassion when you step out of your comfort zone. Give yourself permission to say, “this is scary, but I can do it anyway” and give yourself grace if the outcome isn’t as expected. This is a key practice for building resilience.

You’ve heard the phrase, “I am who I think I am.” Keeping this sentiment in mind, choose who you want to be. A new year means a fresh start, and that can invigorate an intentional transformation. We all have the power to grow and change, and it can begin with establishing an affirmation practice. Tell yourself who you are: “I am healthy,” “I am fearless,” “I am happy,” as opposed to speaking down to yourself through limiting beliefs. You truly are who you think you are, and others will believe it too.

One way to grow and change is through professional and personal development, and I am grateful to work for a company that prioritizes opportunities for growth. With limited in-person interactions over the past two years, it has also allowed me more time to read, listen to podcasts, and learn from others whom I admire. One podcast I really enjoyed listening to recently is “Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.” It has also been inspiring to listen to the first few episodes of Wambi’s new podcast “Moments Move Us”.

While thinking about who you are, it is important to also remember to love who you are. Practicing self-love is a paramount way to create positive self-image. Think about where you were five years ago versus now and relish the progress you’ve made.

Looking for a helpful reminder to focus on self-love in 2022? Download these encouraging badges to share with your team members.

Thinking back to life as a pendulum, as it swings back and forth, you are reminded that you get out what you put in. The hard work that I put in is reflected in the successes that I experience. The same can be said for positivity: if I put in positive energy, I will receive that in return. By focusing on good things, your mind will naturally start to attract more of that into your life.  

As a certified yoga instructor, I focus on flowing in the present moment, with positive energy. At the beginning of each practice, I encourage the class to set an intention. This intention drives the practice and creates a focal point to reengage with as positions get challenging, and our minds and bodies get fatigued. This intention setting is a good habit to bring into your daily life because it allows you to be present in the moment and re-focus your energy when a challenge arises.  

I believe strongly in positive psychology and positive reinforcement and this science is reflected in Wambi’s functionalities. Wambi is the vehicle that illuminates and celebrates the moments that happen between people in healthcare every day. Through Wambi, team members can be recognized in real-time, and this meaningful recognition can be visible to an individual, their team, and their leaders. Wambi also empowers patients and families to share their gratitude, recognizing those who cared for them. By creating a virtuous cycle of gratitude and focusing on positivity, positivity is returned in improved team member engagement and increased patient satisfaction.  

In my role as Vice President of Enterprise Development, I am privileged to work in an environment that mirrors my own values, allowing me to bring a solution that inspires behaviors and fuels positive interactions between people.

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to and learn from hundreds of healthcare leaders, build meaningful relationships, and understand the retention and engagement challenges being faced. If we have not had a chance to connect, I hope we can do so in the new year. I would love to set up a strategy session and learn more about your recognition environment, staff engagement efforts, and hospital culture.

Now is the time to lead with fearlessness. Try my tactics for achieving personal growth, and make getting a recognition solution part of your New Year’s resolution. Let’s Connect!

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Dec. 21, 2021. Recognition and culture transformation software company Wambi released the first episode of its new podcast “Moments Move Us” as part of the PeopleForward Network. “Moments Move Us” is a people-first, values-based podcast with the mission to improve human experience by unlocking the power of meaningful moments. Hosted by Rebecca Metter, CEO of Wambi, the show highlights accomplished healthcare leaders who share transformational and inspiring stories that explore themes of diversity, inclusion, health equity, innovation and leadership.

“My life’s work is facilitating meaningful connections between people that add up to create systemic change.” Metter shares. “‘Moments Move Us’ is about the pivotal moments that help shape who we are and our future. The more moments of influence we experience, the more positive impact we make.”

In the show’s first episode, Metter meets with Dr. Shereef Elnahal, CEO and president of University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Elnahal focuses on the importance of honesty and vulnerabilities while sharing recommendations for how to build trust with those you lead and being generous with recognition. During the show, Dr. Elnahal said, “Connecting with people consumes a lot of time, but that investment is incomparable in terms of what you get in return.” In only one week since its release, the episode has already reached hundreds of unique listeners.

Upcoming “Moments Move Us” guests include Cedars Sinai Medical Center’s Chief Nursing Officer Anita Girard, Renown Health’s Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Sanchez Bickley, and Vituity’s Director of Quality and Performance Dr. Swati Mehta. Episodes will be released bimonthly on Thursdays and can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. Full transcriptions of each interview are also available.

Learn more about the show and listen to the latest episode at wambi.org/resources/podcasts.

Wambi’s holistic real-time recognition and culture transformation solution improves the healthcare experience for patients and staff through the power of gratitude. Gamified engagement technology delivers real-time feedback from patients and team members that recognizes and motivates optimal care. With the proven ability to increase workforce engagement, reduce clinician burnout, and drive higher patient satisfaction, Wambi improves human connection for all. Learn more at wambi.org.

The PeopleForward Network is a podcast community capturing the incredible efforts of people-first leaders and humans working on a meaningful mission. Every podcast episode includes stories and key takeaways to inspire and empower listeners to pursue purpose in their work and beyond. The PeopleForward Network created a listener-base of hundreds of thousands of CEOs, executives and inspired leaders at all levels.

Wambi is built on the power of meaningful moments and how these moments can inspire positivity and deliver joy. In fact, joy is one of the five core values of our organization and we strive to find joy in every interaction. One of the best ways to seek joy is within the pages of a book. Just ask a patient from Hackensack Meridian Health who recognized her nurse Toniann G. for offering to share a book with her:

To: Toniann G.

Toniann has been spectacular- I want her to be my nurse every night! She is so positive and kind—she let me borrow one of her own books when I thought I might have enough concentration to read. That is above and beyond what any nurse has done.

Inspired by the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod, or the “Christmas Book Flood,” we’ve gathered a list of ten joy-filled reads to uplift you in the depths of the cold winter months and encourage a more fulfilling year ahead. The origin of Jolabokaflod dates back to World War II, when books were the only items not found in short supply. For this reason, Icelanders began the tradition of gifting books on Christmas, fostering a nationwide love of reading. To this day, books are exchanged on Christmas Eve and read well into the night with a cup of hot cocoa in hand (A perfect way to embrace hygge!) This tradition is a poignant reminder that in the most challenging times, books provide us the opportunity to escape to a new world where we can find joy. So for anyone looking to sprinkle more joy into their lives, scroll through our recommended reading list.

1. The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier With The Science of Kindness by Dr. Kelli Harding

What do rabbits, a good-natured med student, and heart disease have to do with unlocking the science of kindness? Dr. Kelli Harding’s groundbreaking book examines how compassion, kindness, purposefulness, and other positive, invisible factors play a crucial part in determining human physical health. Fun fact: Dr. Harding’s book played a key role in the establishment of the Wambi mission and vision.

2. Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee

Have you ever wondered why we are drawn to certain things —be it a setting sun or the first bud that appears on a bare tree? This elusive knowledge is unveiled in Joyful, a celebration of the physical world’s influence on our happiness. For designers and artists who are curious about the psychology behind what causes us personal delight, discover the secrets of how to harness the power of the outside world to live more joyfully.

3. Ignite Your Light: A Sunrise-To-Moonlight Guide To Feeling Joyful, Resilient, and Lit from Within by Jolene Hart

Light up your life with this joy-filled read. This 256-page wellness toolkit is chock full of nourishing recipes, centering yoga and self-care rituals, and mindfulness practices. Whether you view energy through a spiritual, magical, or scientific lens, the objective of this read is two-fold: not only will it help you become your most radiant self, but it will help you share your personal shine light up the world around you.

4. The Book of Ichigo Ichie: The Art of Making The Most of Every Moment, the Japanese Way by Hector Garcia

Ichigo Ichie is a Japanese phrase that captures the fleeting nature of a single moment. A popular salutation in Japan, the foundation of this phrase is the belief that every encounter is special. Wambi’s Quality Analyst, Edna Galindo, said “This book made a huge difference in my life,” compelling her to be more present-focused. This outlines actionable ways we can bring more attention to the preciousness of every waking moment.

If you’re interested in learning about more Japanese cultural concepts, read “The Power of Why: Purpose-Driven Leaders Share Their Ikigai.”

5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

For readers who equate joy with the whimsical, The Night Circus is ideal for when you want to take a trip down fantasy lane and forget about life for a while. Recommended by not one, but two of our flock members, Rebecca LaCreta, Wambi’s Product Knowledge and Documentation Manager, shared, “I only wish I could re-read it and have the same experience as when I read it the first time.” A dazzling tale of two star-crossed lovers whose romance unfolds at the arrival of a mysterious circus that only happens at night. Prepare to be spellbound.

6. The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff and E.H. Shepard

Going with the flow, being compassionate, and living simplistically. These are some of the things that have made Winnie-the-Pooh the most endearing bear in the world. Coincidentally enough, they are also the governing principles behind the age-old Chinese philosophy known as Taoism. What’s more joy-filled than a book about ancient wisdom as seen through the uncomplicated lens of a children’s book character? Read it to achieve a sense of enlightenment.

7. The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair

Take a break from the norm with an unusual collection of histories and details of how seventy-five colors came to be. You don’t have to be a color enthusiast to find wonder in these colorful anecdotes. Admittedly, there’s joy to be gained in learning how something as simple as the color yellow can have such a powerful influence on human civilization, think Van Gogh’s preference for the bright hue.

8. The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

The perfect gift to give to a loved one when you can’t be together, The Comfort Book is a hug in the form of a book! While treading the unpredictable waters of a prolonged pandemic, The Comfort Book presents itself as a life raft keeping you afloat. With quick pick-me-ups packaged as lists, short stories, and notes, readers have an arsenal of gentle reminders at the ready to keep them buoyant whenever the seas get rough. A favorite snippet: “Nothing is stronger than hope that doesn’t give up.”

Looking for more motivational quotes to spark joy? Click here.

9. The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams

We’ve plugged the Mission: JOY documentary on the Embrace Joy page but did you know the documentary was first a book? The Book of Joy chronicles the journey Archbishop Desmond Tutu took in 2015 to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday in his Dharamsala home. This reunion prompted a look back on their lives to answer the loaded question of how to find joy in the face of adversity. A heartwarming compendium on how to access joy as told by two Nobel Peace Prize winners.

10. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

A joy-filled read about a magical island, an orphanage with mythical creatures, and unlikely friendships that form among a band of misfits. This wondrous tale will have you entertained through masterful storytelling while tugging at your heartstrings with occasions of pure happiness. If you’re looking for an escape that still has a life lesson to impart, look no further than the house in the Cerulean Sea.

Books make a great gift throughout the holiday season and beyond. Looking for even more gift ideas? Be sure to visit our blog.

Help deliver joy to your team throughout the year through the power of Wambi. Request a demo of our platform today!