Many of us have been raised (or programmed) to believe that we should always be striving for more, climbing the professional ladder or planning the next phase of life. It doesn't matter if it is a new job, a new car, a bigger house, or our physical condition, we know there is more out there that we could or "should" have. Being a go-getter and having initiative is great, but at what point do we get to enjoy where we are in life? At what point will we be content with what we do have?
There isn't one right answer to that question, however, this is where doing nothing can actually be your plan. Instead of constantly thinking of the next step in your life, pick one area and give yourself permission to stop planning/transitioning and enjoy where you are. It doesn't have to be for forever, define a period of time like 3 months, 6 months, or even 1 year, and agree to just BE.
Maybe you feel you need to find a new job, start your own business or buy a new house. If the thought of what it will take to get you to that next step is overwhelming, or even paralyzing, try stepping back. Plan on taking the next 6 months to enjoy where you are and map out what you need to do to make such a change. This time not only gives you breathing room, but it also helps create the stable foundation from which to jump - when you are ready.
Habit #5 in the well known book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Dr. Stephen Covey is: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." I believe this applies to so much more than communication. Just like we should listen to those who are speaking to us with full focus before creating our response, maybe we should "listen" to our current life before creating our response, or a plan for what is next. How can we plan for what is next, if we don't fully understand why we are where we are?
I encourage you to give yourself some time and space to look around. Are you just along for the ride, or are you an active participant in your life? Take time to enjoy today, so that tomorrow can be even better.
Take Control. Simplify. Make it Happen.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The holiday whirlwind...
I am wrapped up in it - the whirlwind of the holiday season.
Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is only 15 days away. I feel overwhelmed with all that I have to do and all that I want to do before the end of the year. I am also overwhelmed with the thought of all that I want to do to make 2014 even better than 2013. Then throw in my wonderful family, their needs, homework, sports, and making dinner...I am wrapped up in the whirlwind of the moment. Sometimes I even feel beaten by the whirlwind. Do you?
As a Take Control Coach I spend a lot of time listening to my clients and helping them pause, step back and gain some perspective on their current situation. My role in a Take Control Coaching session is help the client realize and "take control" of where they are, so they can identify where they want to be. Ultimately we get to a point of filling the gap between those two places, but before any of that can happen, we have to step out of the whirlwind.
I encourage you to take 15 minutes and step out of your whirlwind and gain perspective on your current situation. Here are a few questions to considering during that time...
1. What is really important to you right now? Are you focusing on what matters most?
2. What do you want to accomplish before the end of the year? What do you need to do to get it done?
3. Can you de-clutter your mind by letting go of something you have been worrying about that is out of your control? Do it!
4. Can you de-clutter your schedule by declining an invitation to something that is less important to you than something else? Can you reschedule dinner with friends to the new year when it isn't so busy, so you can spend an evening at home?
5. Is there someone you know who is struggling right now and could use a few words of encouragement. Call, text or email them!
6. Is there someone wearing down your patience? Can you try to find a little breathing room to give you more space between their stimulus and your reaction?
7. Can you stand outside in the cold for 2 minutes and just let it all go? Let the frustration, anger, concern, exhaustion pass through your fingertips so you can start fresh when you go back inside.
Don't let the next 20 days be like those days when you feel like you have worked your tail off, but realize that all you did all day was respond to email or do laundry. Stop. Pause. Step outside your whirlwind for a few minutes each day, it will still be there when you return, and you might have a chance to enjoy the season/your family/your career/your favorite TV show or book while your are at it.
Take Control... Simplify... Make it happen!
Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is only 15 days away. I feel overwhelmed with all that I have to do and all that I want to do before the end of the year. I am also overwhelmed with the thought of all that I want to do to make 2014 even better than 2013. Then throw in my wonderful family, their needs, homework, sports, and making dinner...I am wrapped up in the whirlwind of the moment. Sometimes I even feel beaten by the whirlwind. Do you?
As a Take Control Coach I spend a lot of time listening to my clients and helping them pause, step back and gain some perspective on their current situation. My role in a Take Control Coaching session is help the client realize and "take control" of where they are, so they can identify where they want to be. Ultimately we get to a point of filling the gap between those two places, but before any of that can happen, we have to step out of the whirlwind.
I encourage you to take 15 minutes and step out of your whirlwind and gain perspective on your current situation. Here are a few questions to considering during that time...
1. What is really important to you right now? Are you focusing on what matters most?
2. What do you want to accomplish before the end of the year? What do you need to do to get it done?
3. Can you de-clutter your mind by letting go of something you have been worrying about that is out of your control? Do it!
4. Can you de-clutter your schedule by declining an invitation to something that is less important to you than something else? Can you reschedule dinner with friends to the new year when it isn't so busy, so you can spend an evening at home?
5. Is there someone you know who is struggling right now and could use a few words of encouragement. Call, text or email them!
6. Is there someone wearing down your patience? Can you try to find a little breathing room to give you more space between their stimulus and your reaction?
7. Can you stand outside in the cold for 2 minutes and just let it all go? Let the frustration, anger, concern, exhaustion pass through your fingertips so you can start fresh when you go back inside.
Don't let the next 20 days be like those days when you feel like you have worked your tail off, but realize that all you did all day was respond to email or do laundry. Stop. Pause. Step outside your whirlwind for a few minutes each day, it will still be there when you return, and you might have a chance to enjoy the season/your family/your career/your favorite TV show or book while your are at it.
Take Control... Simplify... Make it happen!