Last month I wrote in this e-newsletter about what I want for you. My wishes for you are all aboutabundance: a plentiful flow of energy, ideas and love fueling your commitment change the worldandenjoy your own meaningful life.
For the next 10 weeks, in these newsletters, I’m going to follow-up with a 10-step process for creating the life you want - including exercises, tips and examples of how to keep yourself engaged in your lifeandin the difficult work of community leadership. Do the work outlined in each newsletter and you will experience a renewed sense of joy in your life and meaning in your work..
A caveat:Nothing substitutes for the support and accountability of a one-to-one coaching partnership. If you are ready to make a great leap forward, let’s schedule a sample session right away.
TEN STEPS
Before we dive into step #1, here’s the overview of the complete 10-step process:
- Eliminate clutter.
- Practice presence.
- Make time for reflection.
- Take great care of your body.
- Embrace your angels and your demons.
- Think and talk about your values.
- Know your purposes and priorities.
- Share your dreams.
- Assemble your team.
- Experiment and learn.
Step #1: Eliminate Clutter.
Make a list of every single thing in your life that bugs you. It may be just a tiny tickle or a giant thorn in your side. Whatever it is, if it’s bugging you, write it down. Without judgment, list every single bit of the Clutter - physical, mental and emotional - that may be getting in the way of becoming your abundant self.
Think about actual Clutter in your office, home, car, yard, or anywhere else that you spend your time.
From there move on to the mental Clutter. Think about jobs undone, emails that need to be either deleted or replied to, projects big and small that you want completed.
Consider habits that you want to eliminate or initiate. If you want to switch from coffee to green tea, write it down. If you want to recommit to your early morning walk, write that down too.
And don’t forget the emotional Clutter.
Fromconversations avoided and issues unspoken, to toxic relationships and the spiritual voidthat keeps you from feeling whole and happy, write them all down.
Nothing is too big or too small for this list.
Writing them down begins the process of elimination.
Moving the Clutter from mind to paper is a huge step, immediately freeing up a powerful flow of energy.
I make a new Clutter list every few months.
There are always a few things (like the unpainted electrical outlet covers in my office that bothered me for at least a year) that I can zap right away. One giant energy suck eliminated in 15 minutes or less!!
Often there is something on my list that I have absolutely no control over. A dear friend’s cigarette addiction is one example. He knows it’s nasty. He knows I love him and that I want him to stop. I’ve made my position clear. There is nothing more to say.
In a case like this, if I want to maintain the friendshipandmy abundant attitude, letting go is the only option. Whenever I find myself poised to make a comment about my friend’s smoking, I take a deep breath and silently remind myself, “let go.” Then, I focus on my breath or shift my attention, so that my mind relinquishes its obsession with something I cannot control.
The big, scary, ugly pieces of Clutter
There may be several pieces of Clutter on your list that you cannot eliminate in 15 minutes or with a few deep breaths. If you’ve listed a project that will take significant time, review your reasons for wanting it complete and, if those reasons are still valid, take out your calendar and set aside the time you’ll need. Better yet, call a few friends or a colleague and get enough support to make it fun. (If the reasons are no longer valid, cross the project off your list and forget about it!)
If your mind is cluttered by a conversation you’ve been avoiding a conversation, reflect on how your life will better align with your core values once you’ve spoken your mind and listened with an open heart. Then pick up the phone and schedule a time for a talk.
If you’ve allowed a toxic relationship, or a job you despise, to drain your life energy away, it is time to choose: Are you going to hang on to the past or are you ready to face the truth and take a giant step toward you abundant life?