A lot of us tend to feel stressed out because we don’t have enough time to do what we really want to be doing. I know because I used to be standing exactly where you are. It probably doesn’t feel like you have any control over this, but you do. All you need to do is make a conscious decision to change things. I know it may seem hard at first, but if you make this a priority and the decision to follow through no matter what, you will succeed. Setting small manageable steps is the key to your freedom.
If you start off small you are more likely to succeed. If you try to do too much all at once you will likely feel overwhelmed and won’t do anything at all. Choose one day this upcoming week when you can allot some time to yourself, even if it’s only for an hour. Is it a Sunday night after the kids are in bed or a Tuesday when you can leave the office a little early? You decide. Schedule it in right now and stick to it no matter what. Plan on doing something that you love that is totally relaxing. This can be anything, but be careful not to choose something you feel like you “should” be doing. Make this a routine by committing to doing it every week. Choosing the same day and amount of time will help. You will find it will be addictive!
Another great tip to creating more tome for yourself is to clear out all of the things you have been putting up with, like getting the car fixed. Keep in mind that every time you think about having to get the car fixed it drains your energy. The goal is to clear the decks so that you have more time (and energy), to be doing what you love. Make a list of 10 things you have been putting up with and that by tackling them will feel really great. These tasks can range from things around the house, your office or even in your relationships, such as having that difficult conversation you’ve been putting off. Once you decide to have that conversation you will feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders and the actual conversation won’t be as bad.
Say no to what you don’t want to do. Don’t do things because you should (although for those of you who are married you know about compromise – just make sure it’s give & TAKE). If something doesn’t feel right don’t do it. If you don’t think you will enjoy it, don’t do it. Practice your language around saying no to people and it will become easier. Don’t feel like you have to justify why you are saying no. Notice how liberating this feels! It is your right to be happy 🙂 Practice saying no to someone this week.
“It is not length of life, but depth of life.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
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