Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

How can you create the time to do the things you really want to do?

We are always so busy and trying to fit in things with our work, family, taking care of everything, it seems hard to figure out how to make any time for the things that we really want to do.

I had given a client this suggestion while helping her figure out how to make time to do the things she really wants in her busy schedule:

One idea to consider is to choose 1 thing to let go of for the week so you can replace it with something you really want to do.

She asked if I could give her some ideas of things to let go.

What I meant about choosing something to let go of is….

When you look at your “to do” list, there are some things you really need to do that are important and can’t be ignored, there are things that you really want to do and need to make time for, even if it’s just a little bit.

And then there are a myriad of things you could do but they aren’t necessarily necessary!

So, it may be helpful to look at your list of possibilities and ask:

What absolutely needs to be done?

What is something I really want to do that I could make the next small step?

What is something that’s not really that important that I can let go of?

You might let go of something that is a higher standard than you really need like
maybe a house cleaning chore than no one but you will notice or making a homemade dessert for company when you could just pick something up.

Those are some little things but all those little things add up, especially if you are using energy that you could use on something you really want to do.

My client had been cooking for houseguests and entertaining for 3 weeks and decided to give up cooking for the week!

I thought that was a great idea that could give her a well deserved break and some extra time.

What could you give up this coming week that could create a little extra time?

I’d love to hear your ideas.

Does Multitasking Really Work?

We tend to think we’ll get a lot more done when we multitask.  But does multitasking really work?  Does it really save time? The logic is that we are doing four things at once instead of just one.  The problem with that theory is that you usually are doing all those things either slowly, inefficiently, and sometimes poorly.

This is your brain on multi-tasking:  Every time you switch activities, your brain needs to make a shift and get into gear, so to speak.  The amount of time and energy that you spend shifting gears often breaks up your focus and slows things down.

I’ll admit there are some things that I like to make an exception for multitasking.  Things like folding clothes, ironing, or dusting.  That is when I might have a long phone call with my sister or a friend.  But if I wanted to get the clothes folded and put away quickly, and just focused on that, I could get it done in half the time.

But let’s face it, you can’t really be listening or fully engaged in a phone conversation while you are searching the internet, writing in your journal, and fixing the plumbing all at the same time.  Your brain is switching back and forth between activities, not really doing them simultaneously.

The same thing holds true for creating something.  The more focused you can be while you are painting, drawing, writing, or performing, the better your end result and you may find yourself getting into the “zone”.  That is the place where everything else fades away, time is non-existent, and things flow smoothly.

When you focus on an activity or task and bring your full attention to it, not only are you likely to get better results, but it’s less stressful and more rewarding.

Feeling like you need to do ten things at once because you’re so busy will make you feel even more stressed out.

While practicing mindfulness in a world that continues to increase the speed may seem counter productive, you may actually find you’ll get more done, have more time, and feel less stressed.

Being mindful and focused takes practice.  And then some more practice.  The more busy or stressed we are, the easier it is to cling to the hope of multitasking our way out.  As you become aware that you are operating like an octopus on steroids, stop and take a breath.

Try writing yourself some reminders that say No Multitasking, Focus, or Be Mindful and put them in various places where you’ll see them.  Start by just doing one thing and focusing only on that.  See if when you say no to multitasking you notice yourself feeling calmer and more efficient.

Let me know what happens.

An unexpected bonus from my exercise routine has been the life lessons from yoga that I have received.

I added yoga to my routine hoping to improve my flexibility and to relax my tight muscles.  It has done that and so much more.

Peace of Mind

It feels good physically but the biggest difference is the mental state it puts me in that keeps me coming back for more. I take deep slow breaths, pay attention to what I’m doing, and relax.  It connects my mind, body, and spirit at the same time which gives me peace of mind, at least for a little while.

It’s easy to get distracted by our busy lives.  Taking time to be in a relaxed state can do wonders.

It’s Ok to Make Mistakes

As if that wasn’t enough, yoga is teaching me is that it’s ok to make mistakes.  It is a practice, and will continue to be.  There are several things I don’t do well at all, but I keep trying.  That is big for me.  The instructor in her soothing, melodic voice, reminds you to forget about struggling and to come back to a resting pose and start over again.

It’s not about doing things perfectly.  It’s just about trying to do the best you can in that moment.

A Balancing Act

Another life lesson from yoga is balance.  One day I have pretty good balance.  Another day, I am wobbling all over the place.  It is a matter of adjusting and readjusting until it feels right for that moment.

Isn’t that what life balance is all about too?  Circumstances change and you adjust and readjust until it feels right for now.

Then there is the balance between focusing and working hard and coming back to rest and regroup in between yoga poses.

Instead of pushing yourself for hours every day, you may find you’ll be more focused and efficient by working hard, then pausing to relax for a few minutes, and alternating between work and rest.

Sometimes we will close with the gesture of no fear.  I love that this gesture is about balancing giving and receiving.

Practice Focusing

When my mind drifts, and it will, I simply try again to focus on doing the pose the best I can for that day.  It helps me to practice focusing.

When you are working or doing anything and you get distracted, try to practice just doing that one thing for the moment the best you can in that moment.

So, in a nutshell, here are the life lessons from yoga:

• It feels good to slow down at least for a little while.
• It’s ok to do my best, make mistakes, and start again. Do Overs are allowed.
• It’s ok to readjust until it feels right.
• Find a balance between working hard and resting to recharge often
• Find a balance between trying and letting go
• Find a balance between giving and receiving
• Practice focusing on what you are doing now.
• Do the best you can in the moment.  There will be another one coming soon.

These are lessons that can be applied to all areas of your life such as your creativity, business or career, parenting, relationships, etc.

You may also want to read about Life Lessons from Our Dog.