Time to think
Most of us are busy people – job, family, catch-ups with friends, paying bills, shopping, washing, cooking, cleaning, gardening, exercise – and that’s just the week to week stuff! At times this is fun and at other times, exhausting.
What about time to really think deeply about what you want out of life? It just doesn’t happen unless we make it a priority and carve out some time to do it.
For some, having a clear plan about what brings them joy and satisfaction personally and professionally is easy – for others it takes time, years, or even decades.
It has for me, I feel like I’ve only been able to think clearly when I stopped filling my days with busy-ness. (Funny how one letter changes the word to business!) While I loved my job in consulting, owning a business and working I also felt at times like I stacked myself up and had such a full plate that I was clinging on for dear life – I couldn’t get off the merry-go-round. There were times when I felt like the life was being sucked out of me and I couldn’t find the off button.
There were times when more substantial roles and pathways were offered to me, however, over time I had a deep knowing which ones weren’t for me – long-term anyway.
But making a change is hard. I got used to, and liked, feeling needed and that I was helping people – staff, peers, bosses, clients – most of us want some element of that – to feel valued.
So how do you find the time to think about what you really want and what brings you deep satisfaction and joy – what is your purpose? Well, a few things…
I’ve been meditating for years now – twice a day – 15-20 minutes. I did a transcendental meditation (TM) course about six years ago and I can’t explain how much this has helped me feel more balanced and centred, sleep better and have a more positive view of life. There are lots of great guided meditations to help you start – loads of different ways to meditate and be more mindful. It’s about finding what works for you – I’ve tried many different techniques to meditate and often felt like it was just too hard. However, these days I believe there’s something out there for everyone – and the benefits are countless from mental health to physical benefits. It’s one of the super-elixirs of life in my view.
The other thing I do these days is to ask a question and then to be quiet and listen – for that thought that pops into your head, for direction and guidance – while I’m walking, driving, riding my bike, sitting. When you don’t fill the space with other noise it’s amazing what comes forward. Some call it your higher self or intuition. It’s an exciting thought, something that feels so right and calm, that comes deep from your core being. It definitely isn’t your ego talking or the negative little voice that tells you that the idea will be ridiculed, the voice that questions who would listen to you or suggests that you’re not good enough.
I would definitely say that it takes practice to listen – if you’re anything like me, my mind is in fifth gear as soon as I have my first coffee and it just doesn’t stop. So it’s taken a lot of practice not to engage with such a busy mind. I would challenge you to walk and not listen to anything – be mindful of your surroundings – the smells, sights and sounds. Or sit with a cup of tea or coffee sometime during the day and breath – count backwards from 50, then sit there – settle yourself and your mind.
What I’m getting to is thinking about what makes you happy and genuinely joyous - the things that makes your body buzz with excitement, feel energised and inspired to act. It’s that old think about looking at your life and your future as though you’re on the top of a mountain, balcony or a helicopter view. If this is hard, start by thinking about:
· What would be your ideal day?
· Who do you want to spend time with?
· Who lifts you up and makes you laugh?
· What makes you feel valued?
· How are you able to be of service for others?
· When do you get that excited, buzzing feeling?
Being able to start mapping this out is the first step to having a life that you love and that feels right. Think about the short, medium and long-term – if you can’t “think it”, you’re unlikely to achieve it. Like that old management phrase – “what gets measured gets done”. Start with mapping out a few ideas about different aspects of your life – doodle in a journal, back of an envelop, write some notes on your phone.
What if you’re meant to be on a whole other path and all you have to do is make a start? One step will follow the next – some things are meant to be.
Make time – start the process – your future self will thank you again and again.
See my web-site: www.lifelaunchpad.com.au for more material like this - it’s easier than you think with a few tools and some guidance.
