Squirrel!

My mantra used to be "There's never enough time." And I wondered why I suffered from hypertension until I heard Dr. Deepak Chopra speak who said,

"The fastest way to a heart attack is thinking there's never enough time."

No, Duh! The lightbulb went off. Yet, I love ideas, I love the potentiality in all things, I love action. I love creating new thoughts, ideas and opportunities.

The problem lies in the execution.  It's easy to get distracted like the cartoon dog...squirrel!

For some reason, this is especially true for the things I love the most as well as for self care. We've been conditioned with our "to do lists" and culture to do what we "should do" or "need to do" first. We applaud hard work and our "no pain, no gain" mentality.  We often idolize the martyr and self-sacrificing. 

I'm going to be sacrilegious and suggest that we have this ass backwards. 

Personally speaking, when I get up and do my yoga and self care first then the rest of the day moves more freely. My thoughts flow. My writing is more authentic and comes with ease. I'm more stable and more present with my clients, family and friends. I work from a sense of strength and fullness, rather than one of fear and lack or resentment. 

Self-care and self-love is the most loving gift you can give to your family, friends, and business. 

To serve my clients, I must first serve myself. My job has become self-care. It's fun, it's energizing, and gratifying. 

I used to be very judgemental about "selfish people."  This was my shadow side. The side of me I denied. I was so busy caring for others that I became selfless. When I went through my first coaching program and my coach asked me what I did for fun....I cried. I didn't really do anything for fun. I was so busy working the only thing I did for myself was sweat in 110 degree room doing Bikram yoga. This fed my "Pitta fire" and I felt better afterwards...well sometimes. Until I didn't. Then I knew it was time for change. 

So how to improve execution for what is really important? 

1. First, take enough time for self, for contemplation, to get out of your head and into your heart and soul to discover your priorities. Schedule in vacations, before other priorities takeover.
2. Second, practice tools of focus. Commit to small steps toward bigger goals. Complete each step before moving on to the next. Resist chasing every squirrel. ( I know, but they are so much fun!)
3. Get support. Acknowledge your strengths and hire someone to help you with the rest.

Here's to your best year ever!

With Love & Gratitude,

Lisa

About Lisa Jackson, RN, CHC, RYT-500, FDN-P, AFMC

Lisa is an author, inspirational speaker and coach, with a mission to inspire, educate and empower others to feel and look their best at any age. 

 

Lisa's book, Savvy Secrets: Eat, Think and Thrive outlines her seven step process towards optimal health that is fun and transformational. 

Lisa is part of the New Self Health Movement and the Wellness Inspired Network. When she is not coaching, speaking or writing, you can find her practicing yoga and joyfully sharing Carpe Diem Dance.