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
 Google News Updated : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:25:37 GMT Evacuations begin in Louisiana - Houston Chronicle
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New York Times - By THOMAS FULLER BANGKOK - Protesters in Thailand ratcheted up their campaign to oust the government on Friday, broadening their occupation to stop trains and block provincial airports, as well as waging an unsuccessful attack on police headquarters ... Thai rioters attack police station UPDATE 8-Thai protests hit police HQ, disrupt airports Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:31:31 GMT Mayor Melton Advises Public of West Nile Precautions - WLBT-TV WLBT-TV - When planning outdoor activities this Labor Day weekend, Jackson residents are encouraged to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus by protecting themselves from mosquito bites and removing sources of standing water near their homes. DELAWARE: West Nile virus appears later than usual West Nile victim's widow ponders his death Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:28:14 GMT Microsoft to Buy Greenfield, Adding European Web Shopping Site - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Phil Serafino and Dina Bass Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp., seeking to catch Google Inc. in the Internet-search market, agreed to buy Greenfield Online Inc. for $486 million to add Web sites that help consumers find product reviews and ... Survey Says ... Microsoft Is a Smart Shopper Microsoft to buy price comparison website Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:24:21 GMT In Lack of Health Insurance Coverage Texas Is First - eMaxHealth.com
eMaxHealth.com - Texas is at the top of the heap again - this time we are the most uninsured state, health care-wise, in the country. Oh wait, being without health insurance coverage is not a good thing, is it? Number of uninsured Americans drops Update2: Number Of Americans Without Health Insurance Drops Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:22:00 GMT RSS to HTML |
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