Simplify - and Be Happy

People's lives today are jam-packed with great projects, ideas, to-do lists, errands, things we should do, things we could do, duties and obligations. No surprise then, that many of us feel we barely have time to do the things we have to do (or think we have to do), let alone spare time for fitting in anything extra.

Why do we insist on keeping ourselves so busy? We have trained ourselves to believe that to be busy improves our chances of success in this world. The "no pain, no gain" mentality. Also, our minds love to be active. For many high achieving types, taking "mental time out" is tantamount to laziness!

Being busy is not necessarily a bad thing ? often we accomplish a lot in our busy lives. But when we get to a point where the level of activity is running our lives, it's time to take some action! Ask yourself:

Why do I choose to take on all the things I do?

Do I really understand what is driving these choices?

What are the things I can't do that I would like to, because I am too busy? - Enter the simplification process. It sounds deceptively easy but the reality is usually different. It's hard to let go of things that you have invested time, money and emotions into.

I suggest people look at 3 areas:

Firstly, stop doing things ? just stop

Pick 2 or 3 activities (like projects, committee memberships or DIY home activities) and decide not to do them. That's the first big step.

Second, examine all the great ideas you have in your head

The things you keep thinking about that take up mental space like:

- financial goals that have yet to come true

- becoming a size ten

- winning the lottery

You've done OK in your life without those things so far, and chances are that you'll continue to survive. Give them up.

Third, reduce or eliminate your errands

These sneaky timewasters chew up a lot of physical and mental energy. If you haven't' done them, you are thinking about doing them, and once they are done, you often need to repeat them from month to month! With the technology around today, there are very few errands that need to take up time. Bill paying, shopping, buying presents ? all these things can be done in a fraction of your time on the internet, or can be outsourced.

The reality is if we have nothing better to do, we'll keep doing all those things we normally do ? the things that keep us busy. Simplify your life and make time to find those better things to do. Guaranteed, you'll enjoy it.

Megan Tough - published writer, coach, facilitator and speaker - works with people to create outstandingly satisfying and truly successful professional lives. Make more money - have more fun! To learn more and to sign up for more FREE tips and articles like these, visit http://www.megantough.com

---

Divining Your Life Path Number

The Life Path is determined by the sum that is... Read More

The Golden Moments in Life

This month I'm going to talk about something I've never... Read More

Its All About Me: Why Its Good to Be Selfish

I started thinking about this topic during a discussion of... Read More

Happiness Fleeting

"You cannot capture happiness no matter how hard you may... Read More

Happiness and Keeping Ahead of the Joneses

Imagine that the Internal Revenue Service in your country claimed... Read More

Self Identity: Who Are You?

Self-identity? Who are you really? We identify with many things,... Read More

Have You Ever Tasted The Fruit Of Pure Happiness?

Have you ever been really happy? Have you ever tasted... Read More

Joy Is Sexy

Joy is sexy because in embracing our joy, we embrace... Read More

See for Yourself : 12 Step Tools Can Bring Happy, Joyous and Free into Everyones Life

We are all familiar with or have heard of the... Read More

Are You Doing What You Love?

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the... Read More

You are Where You are Because You Decided to be There

The decisions we make everyday have a big impact on... Read More

Life Management Skills for Greater Happiness

"Circumstances are the rulers of the weak; they are but... Read More

Live Happily Ever After!

So many people overwork themselves literary in the quest for... Read More

Happiness and the Single Person; Changing Myth Into Reality

Does the expression "single and happy" sound like an oxymoron... Read More

Tap Into Wellness - the Secret Self Help Tool Your Doctor Doesnt Want You To Know About

Everyone has issues with self esteem. It's no wonder then... Read More

Happiness - Not Something To Pursue

Perhaps the most sought after thing in the world is... Read More

May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head

My grandmother, Mimi, was a great solitaire player. My family... Read More

Three Inspirations for Happiness

The following three inspirations were adapted from A Daily Dose... Read More

Making Peace With Sloth: The Value of Natural Pace

Though his racing speed is a maximum 6 feet per... Read More

Discover a Momentary Miracle

Each moment is filled with miracles - very special treasures... Read More

How Do You Define Happiness?

I ran a contest in "Your Daily Dose of Happiness"... Read More

10 Tips for Living the Life of Your Dreams

Why Are You Here?When I ask this question, I'm not... Read More

OBSCURED (Angel)

Being raised in a household without a mother or a... Read More

Can Money Buy You Happiness?

Well, doesn't that depend on what's causing you to be... Read More

True Happiness

Most people look outside of themselves as the cause of... Read More

Can You Really Let Go Of Your Huge Internal Struggle?

When I was in graduate school for psychology, we had... Read More

A Great Life? How to Score Your Life

Is your life really the life you want?Quickly determine how... Read More

Develop a Guiding Philosophy for Happiness

Groundedness is one of the most important components of a... Read More

10 Fun Ways To Live An Enchanted Life Today!

I am often asked how I can live the way... Read More

The American Dream ? At What Cost?

When people are asked, "How many of you are content... Read More

The Personal Cost of Shyness

Has someone nearby been sending you emails rather than calling... Read More

Growing Up Backwards

It seems like I set out in this life to... Read More

Happiness - Work Now or Later?

Long-term success and happiness follows hand-in-hand with strength of character.As... Read More