How can "doing nothing" be a plan?

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.