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
Are You Chasing the Elusive Butterfly of Happiness?For many people... Read More
Did you know that it's up to you?It's actually your... Read More
Is your life really the life you want?Quickly determine how... Read More
Where does happiness fit on a scale of 1 to... Read More
Whatever we want in life, a partner, more money, good... Read More
In preparation for a class I taught today, I spent... Read More
Who is the happiest person in America? USA Today featured... Read More
What is it that everyone is seeking? Happiness with no... Read More
Breaking the cycle is a term we have all heard.... Read More
From what you see around you in your daily lives,... Read More
This month I'm going to talk about something I've never... Read More
I'm searching for modern happiness. The old-fashioned kind takes just... Read More
Life is simple. You'd be surprised to know that most... Read More
When I tell you what I heard you'll be able... Read More
The most wasted of all days is one without laughter."... Read More
Sure it sounds easy? "Be happy." Let's face it there... Read More
Witchcraft is a messy, expensive, time-consuming, and inefficient way to... Read More
What is the one thing you want more than anything... Read More
It was just a few degrees shy of swimming weather... Read More
Falling In Love with LifeThere is no feeling in the... Read More
True happiness is such a rare commodity that the whole... Read More
If you have a very low self esteem or a... Read More
Learning to love yourself isn't easy - especially if you... Read More
Being in tune with your mind, body, and soul and... Read More
In life, many of us simply plunge ahead, only to... Read More
You've heard the expression, "Just believe it and it will... Read More
Happiness is worth helping along.The benefits of being a happy... Read More
Every disease or ailment, whether it be cancer, diabetes, arthritis,... Read More
Hugs have a long and honorable tradition, going back to... Read More
Our sense of smell elicits strong emotional reactions and triggers... Read More
First of all, examine yourself outwardly.Look at your fingernails. Are... Read More
When we choose to move beyond the boundaries of the... Read More
Many of my clients are working harder than smarter. This... Read More
As life and lifestyles speed up, so does the growing... Read More
A pervasive sense of low self-esteem, a feeling of unworthiness,... Read More
I am sure it is safe to say that each... Read More
Aromatics which include essential oils, perfume, centred candles and incense,... Read More
The year is almost half over. Many of us are... Read More
Has someone nearby been sending you emails rather than calling... Read More
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - how to build positive emotions for extraordinary... Read More
"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise... Read More
Chocolate delays reality. When I am eating chocolate, everything is... Read More
What does it take to be happy? In our age... Read More
Here's a multiple choice question for you. Who is more... Read More
Worthiness-word origin. Worth and worship both come from Old English... Read More
Imagine humungous, bulbous, billowing alto-cumulus clouds building higher and higher... Read More
Gail was a quiet, shy, young lady. She has been... Read More
We all want happiness and peace of mind. In the... Read More
Six months ago you had trouble finding your keys and... Read More
"Don't you understand, everything in this life is meaningless," cautioned... Read More
"Hey everybody!" Hairdresser Lady called out. "It's The Happy Guy.""Don't... Read More
Does the expression "single and happy" sound like an oxymoron... Read More
Women are conditioned to be people pleasers. Women are taught... Read More
Our bodies were made in such a way that everything... Read More
Whatever we want in life, a partner, more money, good... Read More
Did you know that it's up to you?It's actually your... Read More
Don't Let Life Happen To You ... Read More
Being raised in a household without a mother or a... Read More
The outcome of Reason # 2 is that you become... Read More
Smile... You'll make your brain wonder what your face is... Read More
Our sense of smell elicits strong emotional reactions and trigger... Read More
Witchcraft is a messy, expensive, time-consuming, and inefficient way to... Read More
Getting out of our busy mode and into our heart... Read More
What makes you happy? What are the simple pleasures that... Read More
What comes to your mind when you see someone who... Read More
First of all, examine yourself outwardly.Look at your fingernails. Are... Read More
Finding Happiness |