Slow down to find clarity
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Perhaps the weather is finally getting more seasonally cool where you are, as it is here in Boston. The fall season brings many things to mind.
Like many people, I am thinking about how I want to make the most of the final quarter of this year.
And with lots of big ideas percolating, it would be easy for me to drive myself hard. After all, there are barely 12 weeks until 2024 gets underway.
For most of my life I was focused on pushing myself. It was such a “normal” way for me to live and work that I never considered the possibility of a different approach to my life.
What about you?
Is constant pushing your “normal”?
If it is, does it make you happy?
Do you hold the belief that it’s the only way to get things done and achieve?
What if there is another way?
I have been learning to slow down for over a decade!
I have become keenly aware that, for me, being thoughtful and taking intentional, clear action works much better than plowing frantically through my days.
Going more slowly to get more done, and to be more satisfied with my work and my life, was counterintuitive when my first coach introduced the concept to me.
Being willing to try it, finding ways to experience more satisfaction and accomplishment, and consistently practicing over time has made a huge difference in my life.
I am clear about the benefits of living and working without “push energy” — that I had thought was the only way to succeed. (I, like most of us, had internalized the way our culture glorifies and celebrates hard, hard work).
My new approach has proven to be remarkably beneficial.
3 steps you can try for yourself
Rather than plowing through your days, living with stress, and collapsing in exhaustion, here is a way to start approaching your life differently that you can explore.
1. Make a small shift to create space for you to “be.”
When you start your day with space for thinking, feeling and intentional planning, many things will start to change.
Even if you have kids to get to school or other demands on your time, think about adjustments you can make to start your day in a new way.
You might realize that getting to bed a bit earlier will enable you to wake up sooner than you have been, so you can give yourself the gift of 10 to 20 minutes to yourself.
You might create a new morning pattern or routine with those in your household, that provides you with some precious quiet time for yourself.
You might decide that a current habit can be replaced, that will support a quiet, focused mind. (For me, switching away from listening to news first thing in the morning, and instead choosing music I was in the mood for, made a wonderful difference.)
If you want more ideas, I have a lovely guide, Creating Space for YOU, to help you do just that. Just email me and I will get it right off to you,
2. Choose how to center yourself.
You might write in a journal.
You can quietly list things for which you are grateful.
You might want to move your body in a particular way — doing yoga poses, moving through a quick workout, taking a walk outside.
With some focus established, you will be ready to think about your day with quiet energy and sharper perspective.
3. Set your intention.
Setting a clear intention for yourself makes great things possible.
Your intention could be to move thoughtfully through your day, rather than rushing and reacting.
You might intend to show up boldly in a conversation, or get something specific accomplished with focus and ease.
You might intend to sustain a positive frame of mind all day.
You might intend to ask for help for a matter that has challenged you, or to make something easier to accomplish.
Your intention may well include several components.
The key is to be loving to yourself as you set intentions that will support you to have the best day you can.
You are responsible for your experiences
When you set the stage for quiet, intentional thinking each morning, and do as much as you can to follow through on the intentions you set, you will see meaningful changes unfold in your life.
You have this opportunity.
You have the power to bring change into your life, to live in a sustainable way, that enables you to thrive.
You can make the most of 2023 and step into a new year with clear energy, sharp focus, greater clarity and deep enthusiasm.
That is what being a creator of your life, living big, is all about.
If you want to talk about how you can begin to make significant change in your life, I may be able to help.
The best way to start is to book a quick intro call with me.
You are under no pressure, no obligation. I promise only an honest conversation where you can talk about the deep desires you have for your life and what's in the way for you now. I can share fresh insight and perspective, and tell you about programs I offer that may be a fit for you.
