Most of us carry around a lot of "STUFF" that keep us from being the people we want to be and reaching the goals we want to reach.
This "STUFF" can take the form of all the things that we say we should do but don't, the people in our lives that we have had a disagreement with and now are not speaking to, even though we both want to, all the "could haves" and "should haves" in our lives that now hold us back. Like the junk in your basement this is all the stuff that you need to let go of, but you don't.
By holding on to all this stuff we use up a lot of emotional stress that we could be doing without and focusing that energy on something much more productive and rewarding instead!
So, is it time for your emotional yard sale?
If so, then let's get started and watch the positive influence it will have.
Watch out though, you will probably find that you have more energy, greater confidence and self esteem, and in general a happier more productive life.
Getting ready for your sale
Take a long hard look at your life and get rid of the excess baggage by asking yourself a series of questions and by completing the following exercises.
In effect, what we will be doing is making certain tasks "complete", drawing a line under them and moving on.
The following set of activities can be done in one sitting or over a number of hours/days. The only rules are, once you start you have to finish and sooner is better than later.
The act of writing the answers down is very powerful. It helps you to form a stronger commitment to the actions you will take. So resist the temptation to short cut the process by making it a mental exercise only.
Now let's get to it and watch your life change in wondrous ways!
Step one: Collect the junk you don't need or want!
" Make a list of 10 things that you are putting up with at home
" Make a list of 10 things that you are putting up with at work
" Make a list of 10 things that you are putting up with in any other area of your life
" Make an action plan to get rid of these things that you have been putting up with. Be specific about your actions and set time limits for when to complete them
Step two: Dealing with all those unfinished projects!
" Make a list of things that are unresolved/unfinished in your life
" Make an action plan of how to reduce this number!
" Do you need to clear the air with anyone? If so, just do it! Life is too short!
" Did you ever say that you were going to call someone or keep in touch with someone, yet have done nothing about it? If so, sit down and call them or send an email to them. Do it today
" Let go of as many "could haves", "would haves", "should haves", "maybes" and "ought to" as you can. Write them down, take some action, and move on. You will feel so much better.
Step three: Setting the price!
" Write down the standards and beliefs that you have been saying to yourself that you should have. Let go of these and write down a list of the standards and beliefs that you are going to let drive your life from this day forward.
" List 5 people who you admire the most. Identify their greatest qualities, behaviour and how they lead their life. What standards and beliefs do they hold? How do they put those standards and beliefs into action in their lives? Which ones could you adopt starting today, to be more like them?
" Recognize that other's standards will be different from your own. Think of 5 close colleagues or friends - what are their standards and how are they different from yours?
Step four: Plan for the next Yard Sale!
" Get out your calendar and mark off a date 6 months to a year from now to do this all again.
" Just like you gather new clutter in your basement to fill the space you just cleared, your life will continue to gather new "STUFF" that you will need to deal with later.
By having your Yard Sale, you will be able to focus more on the here the now and the future. You will be able to let go of some of the things that have been taking up your valuable time and energy.
So go ahead, get out there, rollup your sleeves and get started today. |
