Now that the new year is here, many of us are struggling to hold
onto our usual new year’s resolutions. Have you noticed that most
of the time resolutions add to your “to-do” list rather than
simplifying your life? Why not making a resolution to simplify
your life instead? Do you often feel overwhelmed with things to
do, places to be? You enjoy being productive but feel frantic
during the day? You are organized and live by your to-do list
and yet this chore list seems to get longer rather than shorter?
Do you know a lot of people but often wonder why there doesn’t
seem to be any time for deep connections? Simplifying one’s life
means just that, letting go of certain habits, conventions, or
actions that don’t serve you in creating more meaning in your
life, and then using that energy to create connections, peace and
a sense of gratitude.
We all want to be of service, be professional, get things done,
be responsible and reliable, be the best we can be but we often
forget ourselves on the way. No wonder we end up feeling so
overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can
take that will help you let go of things that are not bringing
meaning into your life, so you can have more time for those
things that are truly important to you! These changes will allow
you to find more fulfillment and joy in your everyday activities.
Peace and serenity are attainable when you re-arrange your life
for more balance.
The most common complaint I hear in my coaching practice is from
the “Super mom.” (Now, this example also applies to you men, so
read on.) The “super mom” has a demanding career but she also
volunteers at school, bakes cookies for her children’s class,
takes care of the house, chauffeurs the kids around and listens
to her partner’s concerns late at night. All of these
responsibilities may be important to her. But they can take over,
creating a schedule that allows for no time for self or
meaningful relationships with others. There is only one solution:
Simplify!
To experience more joy, we need to let go of certain activities,
to create a space that we can fill with more meaning. All our
obligations and assignments are serving some purpose. Yet, we
need to have the courage to say “No” so that we can slow down and
make time for ourselves. We also need to get to know ourselves.
Often we have not taken time for reflection on what gives us
true fulfillment. Once we know what we really want, we need to
put a realistic plan in place. Change doesn’t just happen by
willpower but by laying out a concrete plan that is attainable
and measurable. We need to create a list of those activities we
will courageously say “No” to, scheduling blocks of time for
whatever holds meaning for us and then safeguarding them. We
also need someone to hold us accountable during these times of
creating new habits and lifestyle changes. Tell a friend, a
coach, your partner or even your boss which changes you will
accomplish. Lastly, we need to consistently take action on our
new plans until the new rhythm of life becomes a habit.
So, what can you say “No” to today so that your life will be
simpler and more meaningful? How can you say it so that it gets
heard and understood? Where can you create a space that you then
thoughtfully fill with something that holds deep meaning to you?
If you chose one action that would allow you to create some time
for peace, reflection and connection, what would it be? How
frequently do you need this special time? How can you safeguard
it? And who should you tell about your plans? Who can be your
support?
Today’s the day to make a commitment to yourself. Get out your
calendar and block off that special time for the coming month.
And keep saying “No thank you” to new obligations that would
jeopardize your time for you. Once you have a little practice,
you’ll be surprised how easy it is to simplify!
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