5 steps to more smiles and less stress...

Here's a philosophy I have created based on the last 18 months or so of my life. Along the way I have run a 5k, lost 65 pounds, enrolled back in school and come along way from the fat, depressed, exhausted person that started this blog in early 2010...

1) Prioritize: What's really important? What do you look forward to the most? What's stopping you from doing it right now?!?!?! I've recently been reading blogs and e books about time management.  In essence if you try and pack in too much you are stealing from yourself.  Your quality of life suffers. For me I need to be giving myself to another person.  If my schedule is too tight to be with the people I love or be of service to a friend or member of my recovery fellowship my life isn't sustainable.  It's important to be honest with ourselves about what we can accomplish and what is even worth accomplishing.  At a certain level we are merely polishing our egos with added commitments and more time at the office.  For me a coffee date with my wife and dog is probably the most important thing in my entire day. What get's you going? What's number one?

2) Use your passion to get your paycheck:  We all gotta eat.  We need cash, but nothing is worse than sacrificing your values for an employer you don't respect.  Not everyone can drop everything to find the perfect job, but what adjustments could you make so you were at least using your talents to bring home a portion of the rent?  I'm a people person.  If I'm not working directly with a customer (in my case patients in a hospital) I go crazy.  Phone calls, paperwork and staff meetings drain me of energy.  I need to serve.  Finding out your skill set is just as important as finding the ultimate gig.  A cut in pay could be worth it if you could start using a skill set that resonated with your core values. You could also sign up for a cheap class at a community college to work towards the degree or certification you want for the dream gig. I felt stuck for years until I walked into an advisement office and in half an hour I was enrolled in school with a detailed plan to get where I want to go.  Every step toward your goal is filled with life lessons that will serve you in the end.

3) Cut the fat: There is no sense doing things that don't line up with your over all vision.  I use to lose sleep over losing touch with old friends or not keeping up with commitments which really didn't mean that much to me.  Since you already know your priorities, cut out anything that doesn't line up. There is no need to waste valuable time doing things that don't get you excited. When you are clear about where you are heading the list of things you absolutely must do gets pretty short. The shorter you can get your "must" list the more stress free your life will be.

4) Use a to do list: We all have maintenance and little errands to take care of in life. Stay organized with a list, a planner or a smart phone app.  Checking off the little tasks will give you momentum and you can keep tabs on things that need to be accomplished through out the week or by the end of the month.  Automate you finances if you can.  My wife and I pay most of our bills in less than 30 seconds right from our phones. My wife also uses the Fly Lady system to keep the house clean.

5) Focus: Always have your goals in mind. I usually have goals in all areas of my life.  I've been on a weight loss journey for over a year, I'm working on my running so I will be in shape for a 5k later this year, I'm slowly working on a degree in respiratory therapy and we have all sorts of other goals. Financial goals, home maintenance, etc. Look at how each day and its experiences are serving your over all goals in life.  Get pumped about where you want to go and then watch it come together one day at time.  When you are frustrated focus on an area that is going well as opposed to the hick ups in another. Having an intense sense of focus about your life and its purpose will help remind you that you are heading some place bigger and better.  The lessons along the way are what will give you the most joy and wisdom in the end!

Peace, Love, Thrive...

mellow