April 30, 2008
Eliminate 50% of Your Plans, Projects, Goals, Commitments, and Pipe Dreams
We are all way too busy. It’s contagious, a chronic condition of our times. Many of us say we want to live a simple life, but we don’t get around to achieving it. You’ve heard the expression “If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting.” It’s true. So let’s do something different.
When I need inspiration or understanding, I look to nature. Have you noticed that spring weather is totally chaotic? The wind blows, we have unexpected ice storms or devastating floods and tornados. Total chaos. I think spring weather is nature’s way of wiping the slate clean–getting rid of the old and the excess–reminding us of what is truly important.
Why wait for a tornado or a flood? Is it time to do something different? You don’t have to simplify everything overnight. Living more simply can be a gentle process. Don’t complicate your life unnecessarily by thinking you have to simplify your life in every way–today.
Here are several ideas to get you thinking of ways to simplify. Pick a few that appeal to you, and do those. Let the spring rains wash away the rest.
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Learn to say no (and enjoy it). This is absolutely the key to living a simple, satisfying life. And remember “No” is a complete sentence. Resist the temptation to explain why you’re saying “No.” People see explanations as a sign of weakness and guilt, and they will try to get you to change your mind by adding to your guilt. Be bold, be brave, just say “No!”
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Volunteer when the project nourishes your soul, not just because you were asked, you feel obligated or you usually succumb to guilt.
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If you have children, ask them to choose only 1 or 2 after school activities. If their schedules are chocked full too, they’re also learning to live complex, jam-packed lives.
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Arrange with other parents to share driving each other’s kids to school events so you can have a life too.
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Eliminate could/should projects and plans. Life is really too short to do things just because you can or should. Rather, choose to do what you most enjoy. could/should projects are sometimes hard to give up. Get encouragement to do so from a friend or spouse who wants to see you live a less stressful life.
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Review your goal list and prioritize it realistically. If an item has been on your list for 5 years, it’s either time to accomplish it or cross it off and walk away (relieved).
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If you tend to live a “booked-solid” life and want to simplify it, participate only in community activities that don’t require reservations, enrollments, or pre-payment. This action will reduce your sense of obligation. You will then be free to act spontaneously when an activity catches your interest.
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If there are three projects on your list, start with the one that most excites and energizes you. Go where your energy is and you will virtually eliminate dread.
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When working on important projects, do one thing at a time–stop multi-tasking. And work towards completion. Unfinished projects can be a real energy drain.
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If you spend time trying to fix others, stop it. Trying to change others is like pushing string. It takes a lot of time and energy and you get nowhere. Pick another project!
A simple life doesn’t mean boring, bland, austere, or poor. It means living in a way that is uncomplicated, elegant, and just enough. If you have a typical fast-paced modern lifestyle, you probably won’t be able to carve out a simple life overnight. You may need to knock down some of your old lifestyle structures first.
As you begin this simplifying process, ask yourself: Why am I so busy? Look at your appointment schedule, the kids’ after school activities, your home environment, and the inside of your head for the answers.
Living simply can get really complicated if you let it. So don’t start everywhere–just start somewhere.
READERS — Comment on this topic below.
- What is your biggest challenge related to simplifying your life?
- What are your best strategies?
Comment at the link at the very, very bottom of the page. We want to know what YOU think.
To your healthy, happy, life! 
Cheryl’s Soup Kitchen (ebook and audio)
Soup has many virtues. You can use it as a super weight loss strategy or as a nurturing cold weather ritual. And you can dramatically improve your diet by eating soup.
Soup is versatile–eat it as a snack or for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eat it cold or hot–with friends or snuggled up on the couch after a long day. On a cold day, soup is like a warm blanket. It’s the BEST fast food on the planet. Soup can be one of the most satisfying and nourishing meals you eat.
But this program isn’t just about making soup. It’s also about streamlining your kitchen and your preparation processes so you can make soup fast . . . and eat it slow. And, it’s about healthy eating and inspiration for cooking and eating at home.
In this program you get 2, 60-minute audios, recipes for soups and sides, and a beautifully illustrated ebook.
>> more info
Fee: $19.00 Ebook and 2, 60-minute audios
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Cheryl Miller is one of the most innovative coaches in the industry. From her Healthy Fast Food Kitchen to her new Sit and Get Fit Program, she uses humor and proven strategies to motivate her clients into a Healthy, Happier Lifestyle.