Do less, but do it better!
When we allow focus, flow, and alignment into our day we are allowing ourselves the gift of joy.
So let’s bring more focus, flow, and alignment into your lives. Shall, we?
When was the last time you took inventory of your life? Really dug deep and analyzed what is working and what is not working. Most of us do this January 1 when we ring in the New Year; just in time for making resolutions of how we want to better and change our lives. And here we can start to go a bit nutty trying to do everything under the moon at work and home.
But what if we slowed down and did less? What if you were extra intentional about what you are saying yes to? What would that mean to you in your life? For the lives of your family? Would that mean you would be more present? A little less overwhelmed and stressed? What would this mean for your health? Doing less requires us to have our vision in place. We pause and think before we say yes. Doing less, but doing it better is where true success comes. Then when we make a commitment, we do the best we can, we are present, we build meaningful relationships in the process, we make our highest contribution. And we find joy.
So here are three steps to consider while doing less.
You matter. Your health matters, your ideas matter, your creativity matters, your energy matters. So let’s start acting like it. Make “you” time a non-negotiable. Schedule time in your calendar to go to the coffee shop and read a book, wake up early and meditate, go out dancing with friends — whatever helps you create and move closer to joy — make it happen. Self-care (and selfishness) is vital to being a better person, mom, spouse, etc. When we love ourselves first, we can love others with greater compassion and love.
Manage expectations. Keep your expectations for your happiness and joy HIGH, while keeping your expectations for overworking and busy-ness low. Be unreasonable when it comes to the things that absolutely light you up. Keep your focus and your expectations here.
Delegate, leverage, delegate, leverage. Recently, in my own business, I decided to hire another assistant to create more room to expand, grow, and thrive personally and professionally. By letting go and handing off projects I have given myself the gift of space. Space to think bigger, space to focus on more meaningful things, space to meditate and daydream (this is , after all, what keeps me in forward-moving momentum!!), and the space to make the right decisions in my business and in my family. With delegating I’m able to make decisions from a place of alignment, rather than from a place of overwhelm and stress. And delegating is one part of it. Leveraging is the next. These are two separate muscles and when we use them effectively the process stays streamlined. Once you give yourself permission to delegate, continue leveraging the strengths and interests of those around you so you’re delegating with intention and with win-wins in mind. The process of letting go can be an opportunity of expansion for everyone involved when the right people are working on the right things.
What are some other ways you can do less, but do it better?
Christy Venza is the Founder of Career Loved, a career coaching firm specializing in leading-edge strategies for high-achievers. To read more articles by Christy, visit www.careerloved/blog.