The Essentials
The fact is life is full. Yes, there are days we feel like we are pulled in a million directions. Family, friends, community, work – some days the “to do” list is more like the ‘way too much to ever get done list”. But, here’s the thing: We have a tendency to keep this list running over and over and OVER in our heads. Like the refrain of an old worn out song, we constantly remind ourselves of what we think we need to get done. What happens? Big distraction, increased stress and maximum overload! Most importantly, we simply can’t FOCUS. But after all, how could we? How can we stay focused on our real vision when our mind reminds us a thousand times a day that we can’t forget to respond to email, follow-up with that new potential client, change the oil in the car, remember our son’s school open house, and oh yeah, what’s for dinner? Now, try multiplying this a thousand times and you have the picture of what our mind does each day.
What’s the solution? This week, try experimenting with the 4 ‘R’s’ of rekindling your creativity, igniting fresh inspiration and creating a life you absolutely love!
#1 – Respond Now. What’s on your list that is a quick and easy get it done now task? If it’s something that will take only 15-20 minutes, why wait? Do it now. Save yourself the investment of energy that it takes to remind your self of the task. Feel the freedom of completion and allow it to propel and motivate you forward.
#2 – Re-Assign It. Everyone needs a support team. Whether we are a dedicated stay-at home mom or CEO of a growing enterprise, when it comes to living our vision, support is not only necessary, it’s vital! Who are the members of your team? Look around and then ask for help. Let go of the “I can do it all myself” mindset and become a team player.
#3 – Relinquish It. Remember that stack of magazines and newspapers in the corner? Let’s be honest, will you ever get around to reading them? Take a close look at your list. My sense is there are some things – maybe many things – that you can simply release and let go of. Lighten the load, really prioritize and recapture boundless creative energy for what really matters most to you.
#4 – Re-Prioritize It. Remember, this is YOUR life. So really consider what is most important to you. Take a look at your ‘to do’ list and closely consider your investment of time in a purposeful way. Create a vision. Then, one by one consider each step and when it can be accomplished. Set a date in the future and enjoy the journey of creating. The best part of this exercise is that your mind will immediately become opened and relaxed. And, that relaxed state creates a spectacular atmosphere for more authentic, spontaneous success – where you can discover new possibilities, say YES to the life YOU desire, and live by your own unique design!
Looking for ways to celebrate your most amazing life now?
Here a list of 25 ways to ignite fresh possibilities and optimize creative flow!
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. The benefits are priceless!
3. Like late night shows? No worry, record them and get to bed early. The next morning you’ll bounce out of bed vibrant, rested and ready to embrace life!
4. Start your day with success in mind. When you wake up in the morning, make it part of your routine to speak aloud a statement of intention: “Today I am 100% committed to ___________.”
5. Live the six essentials — Vision, Focus, Intention, Interest, Action, Purpose.
6. Make it a point to have more fun today than you did yesterday. Read poetry, engage in an intriguing conversation, challenge yourself with a favorite crossword puzzle, take time in nature, explore a new subject you’ve yet to explore. Whatever fun is to you, commit to experience more of it, now!
7. Dedicate time to strengthening your spiritual practice: Meditation, yoga, tai chi, chanting, prayer. This is the ultimate fuel for a full, rich, prosperous life.
8. Invest more time with people who are motivated, inspiring, uplifting, encouraging, insightful, fun and funny.
9. Play with fresh curiosity! Create a practice of exploring and investigating. Ask lots of questions. And, listen deeply for the answers.
10. Place nutrition high on your list of priorities. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink plenty of water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
12. De-clutter your home, your car and your desk. Let go of the old. Let in the new! It’s all about allowing a fresh flow of energy into your life.
13. Value the power of your spoken word. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, long conversations about the past or things you cannot control. Rather invest your energy in empowered thoughts, solutions and focused outcomes.
14. Look for the yes in all things. Focus on the ways that every experience is expanding your connection with yourself, with others and with life.
15. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to be your very best. Allow yourself to receive the wisdom of mentors, the know-how of teachers and the lessons of role models. You are here to learn.
16. Value your talents and share them relentlessly with others.
17. Make peace with your past and empower your present.
18. Remember comparison compromises self worth. Don’t fall into the habit of comparing yourself or your life to others’. We each have a journey defined by our own unique design.
19. Light candles, treat yourself to nice linens, listen to music. Make it a point to surround yourself with beauty. You are worth it right now!
20. The best part is: No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
21. Waste not one moment! Forgive yourself and forgive everyone for everything.
22. Fortunately, what other people think of you is none of your business. Fully express your greatness. Hold nothing back!
23. Life can change in a heartbeat! However the situation, one thing is certain: It will change!
24. Your most amazing life is unfolding now. The best is yet to come!
25. Each night, before you go to bed, reflect upon your day. Look for what you’ve discovered and ways you’ve accomplished more than you could have imagined. Allow yourself to be in awe of the outcomes. Then, set the tone for your next day by speaking aloud the following statement: “I am grateful for _______.” In other words: Celebrate your most amazing life now!
June ’09
It’s no secret. The time has come for women. Our strengths are urgently needed in our communities, in business and in the world. And, we are responding to the call. Like never before we are committed to advancing ourselves into positions of power. We are dedicating our creative brilliance and putting it to good use. We are innovating and designing. We are launching entrepreneurial ventures, bringing our insight to corporate America and beyond. We are igniting fresh possibilities. Most importantly, we are creating change.
As I stood in the ballroom in Long Beach, I was reminded over and over again of one simple fact: Real and lasting change begins within each of us. It is up to us to take the steps. It is up to us to change our mindset. It is up to each of us to believe our vision possible. It is up to us to be the amazing and powerful women that we are.
“You cannot wait until the fear goes away – it’s through the action that the fear disappears.” Maria Shriver shares stories of her own occasional doubts. It’s just one way of inspiring a greatest that she recognizes in every woman throughout the room. Billie Jean King reminds, “There is a leader in every one of us that expects to lead.” And then there are the words of CNN’S Christiane Amanpour, “When given half a chance, women can be real architects of change.”
But, where do we begin? How do we unleash our real power? How do we stand true to ourselves and embrace our place in the world? Where do we start to define and design success by our own standards? These are the exact questions I had asked myself nearly a decade ago. Since that time, my need to discover has taken me into the hearts and minds of women of influence, impact and inspiration … feminine leaders who are committed to living by their own unique definition. What did I learn? Plenty. Surely more than I can share in this article. But, there are six essentials that became my own beacon of focus and direction. Six essentials that opened my world to a new view of my feminine power and success.
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