Let's take a look at month number two of the New Year. Remember January 1st? I do. I particularly remember how fresh and new the year seemed, and like many others, I created my list of "Resolutions" for the year. It felt, and was for me particularly refreshing this year.
Those of you who know me and my work (especially the Alexander Technique) know that I talk about habitual patterns, and how to overcome them, for a freer, happier body and mind.
Have you gone back to some habits that you wanted to say goodbye to?
U-huh. Me too.
I could share that the habits I most struggle with in my own life are the things I DON'T do.
1) Because I don't feel that I have the time
2) That I don't honor my own self care enough to make the time for
3) That I talk myself out of for being not important enough
Things like meditating regularly and playing the piano. Who has time for all that!
But guess what. I regretfully believe that these are not in the realm of procrastination after all. You see, I believe that the gentle art of not procrastinating is better placed in the category of self care.
In other words, it is more a matter of priorities. The new year reminds me that time is of the essence, and "resolutions" are about what we want to bring more of. Of what we want to FEEL.
More joy. More lightness. More ease.
All of the things I teach my clients.
Let's call this "How to have a happy life"
So...the first step to making change is to assess where you are. From there you can put some loving focus on what you want and where you want to point to. SO THAT you can plan and take action on what is in alignment with your desires. This is true for every area of your life be it your home, health or happiness. One of the biggest obstacles to creating the life you love is the tendency to procrastinate.
Procrastination can turn your wishes and desires into a VERY STUCK CONDITION that leaves you feeling trapped and unable to move forward.
Here are a few ideas for getting some momentum on your dreams and plans...
First, Realize that we are very habituated creatures. Although it is difficult to measure objectively, I would say that up to 90% of our day is lived on automatic, with just a few inspired thoughts and ideas sprinkled in that make us think "gee, wouldn't it be nice if I could (fill in the blank).
These habits are ingrained and become the patterns that become our actual accounting of our time. When procrastination surfaces it is because your desires have been taken over by your habitual, automatic behavior. The first step to removing this mode is gaining the awareness that it is happening (again) and that you could actually make a new and better choice for your well being.
Next, start to take back control of your desires and put in place little time capsules where you can do the things you say you want to do, in my case meditate and play the piano. You will have to create some kind of time or space system that can hold the doing of it.
For me, meditating first thing in the morning is best, so I can create a time and space container for it. Before I read or get ready for clients. Before breakfast even. For you it could be right before bed. The most important thing is to be consistent. In other words, to create a container for your goals.
You could spend some time first just deciding what you want to bring in more of, so that it doesn't get lost in the myriad of other important things in your day...but remember, because we operate on automatic so much, you may be fooling yourself about all of the time constraints, and in fact, you are simply not making enough time for what is important to you.
What is your big vision? What are the most important things on your list? Write that list first, and then look for the hierarchy of most valuable and important. Put those things on the top of your list. This includes home, health AND well being.
Now you can create a container to hold the habits that would help you manifest. My suggestion is that you start with just 10-20 minutes a day doing these things you love. But do them consistently and no matter what. Ask yourself how you can move towards these goals with ease and grace. Create a container that will help to amplify this habit in your life. For example, if you decide you want to be more organized, take small steps to clear clutter and organize specific areas. Decide on a specific time each day (one that is convenient for you) to begin to implement your new activity. Do this task at the same time each day. This will help you form a positive, life-affirming habit that will help you put your ideal vision on the fast track of success.
Lastly, celebrate that you have brought conscious presence to your desire. See the effects of your conscious attention and intention.
This builds awareness and creates new patterns, in the form of BETTER habits that will go a long way toward measuring the joy and satisfaction of a life well lived. YOU in the driver's seat of your life, instead of feeling like you are just running around putting out fires all the time.
So what do you want to create more of in your life this year? It's not too late to begin anew...
Remember, there is an art in not procrastinating, and it starts with what you really desire, and what you value.
Those of you who know me and my work (especially the Alexander Technique) know that I talk about habitual patterns, and how to overcome them, for a freer, happier body and mind.
Have you gone back to some habits that you wanted to say goodbye to?
U-huh. Me too.
I could share that the habits I most struggle with in my own life are the things I DON'T do.
1) Because I don't feel that I have the time
2) That I don't honor my own self care enough to make the time for
3) That I talk myself out of for being not important enough
Things like meditating regularly and playing the piano. Who has time for all that!
But guess what. I regretfully believe that these are not in the realm of procrastination after all. You see, I believe that the gentle art of not procrastinating is better placed in the category of self care.
In other words, it is more a matter of priorities. The new year reminds me that time is of the essence, and "resolutions" are about what we want to bring more of. Of what we want to FEEL.
More joy. More lightness. More ease.
All of the things I teach my clients.
Let's call this "How to have a happy life"
So...the first step to making change is to assess where you are. From there you can put some loving focus on what you want and where you want to point to. SO THAT you can plan and take action on what is in alignment with your desires. This is true for every area of your life be it your home, health or happiness. One of the biggest obstacles to creating the life you love is the tendency to procrastinate.
Procrastination can turn your wishes and desires into a VERY STUCK CONDITION that leaves you feeling trapped and unable to move forward.
Here are a few ideas for getting some momentum on your dreams and plans...
First, Realize that we are very habituated creatures. Although it is difficult to measure objectively, I would say that up to 90% of our day is lived on automatic, with just a few inspired thoughts and ideas sprinkled in that make us think "gee, wouldn't it be nice if I could (fill in the blank).
These habits are ingrained and become the patterns that become our actual accounting of our time. When procrastination surfaces it is because your desires have been taken over by your habitual, automatic behavior. The first step to removing this mode is gaining the awareness that it is happening (again) and that you could actually make a new and better choice for your well being.
Next, start to take back control of your desires and put in place little time capsules where you can do the things you say you want to do, in my case meditate and play the piano. You will have to create some kind of time or space system that can hold the doing of it.
For me, meditating first thing in the morning is best, so I can create a time and space container for it. Before I read or get ready for clients. Before breakfast even. For you it could be right before bed. The most important thing is to be consistent. In other words, to create a container for your goals.
You could spend some time first just deciding what you want to bring in more of, so that it doesn't get lost in the myriad of other important things in your day...but remember, because we operate on automatic so much, you may be fooling yourself about all of the time constraints, and in fact, you are simply not making enough time for what is important to you.
What is your big vision? What are the most important things on your list? Write that list first, and then look for the hierarchy of most valuable and important. Put those things on the top of your list. This includes home, health AND well being.
Now you can create a container to hold the habits that would help you manifest. My suggestion is that you start with just 10-20 minutes a day doing these things you love. But do them consistently and no matter what. Ask yourself how you can move towards these goals with ease and grace. Create a container that will help to amplify this habit in your life. For example, if you decide you want to be more organized, take small steps to clear clutter and organize specific areas. Decide on a specific time each day (one that is convenient for you) to begin to implement your new activity. Do this task at the same time each day. This will help you form a positive, life-affirming habit that will help you put your ideal vision on the fast track of success.
Lastly, celebrate that you have brought conscious presence to your desire. See the effects of your conscious attention and intention.
This builds awareness and creates new patterns, in the form of BETTER habits that will go a long way toward measuring the joy and satisfaction of a life well lived. YOU in the driver's seat of your life, instead of feeling like you are just running around putting out fires all the time.
So what do you want to create more of in your life this year? It's not too late to begin anew...
Remember, there is an art in not procrastinating, and it starts with what you really desire, and what you value.
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