Once you have decided to live your best life, it is important to start making changes that align your actions to your goals. Rather you are a CEO managing a work force of 500 or a stay-at-home mom managing a busy schedule of tiny humans, change can seem chaotic and stressful. Here are 4 ways that you can find harmony while pursuing your best life.
1. Be Selfish! Pay Yourself First.
You are the center of your universe. When the ish hits the fan, we generally sacrifice ourselves to make our deadlines or to fulfill our obligations. But if you are depleted you cannot give your best. It is important to prioritize self care.
Tip:
Schedule regular time for your self care and PROTECT IT!!!!
Here’s how to do it:
Calendar all your self care before you schedule work or family obligations. (Yes I said family, they will run you into the ground too!)
Prioritize sleep. If you have a deadline that you need to push through, don't burn the midnight oil. Instead, go to bed and wake up earlier to revisit the project with fresh eyes. Eight hours is the recommended amount of sleep for your brain to function at peak capacity.
Get comfortable with saying no. Sometimes we do not have the bandwidth to take on something else successfully. NO is an acceptable answer.
2. Learn to control the controllable & let everything else go!
It is important for us to be prepared and on top of our game but micromanaging things that are beyond our control can make you CRAZY. You would be surprised how much time you get back when you stop allowing things you have no control over to occupy your attention. In life, you have to learn to let go.
Tip:
Identify what you can control and what you can not. ( Hint: You can only control the things you do!)
Here’s how to do it:
Make a list of your responsibilities and do your best to fulfill them.
Make sure everyone involved has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Never assume they know. It is always better to say it clearly then to hope they understand the terms.
Ask others if they have everything that they need to complete their responsibilities successfully. If there is a deficit then help create a solution to fill the deficit.
When the urge to manage other peoples lives and responsibilities arise, tell yourself "that is none of my business" and move on with your life. You have a full plate of things you need to focus on and how someone does their part is not something your should focus on. If you don't trust that they will hold their end of the agreement don't work with them.
3. Create Synergy & Teamwork Environments
The phrase it takes a village is not just a proverb about raising children but is also true for building your best life. Working with people to create environments that support your positive changes will not only make it easier, but allow you to leverage your time better and create accountability for your growth.
Tip:
Find someone else who has a mutual goal or vested interest in your success and work together until you have achieved a successful outcome.
Here’s how to do it:
Identify the goals that you have set and potential power partner(s) who may also have that same goal.
Reach out to your power partner(s) and explain what you are trying to achieve. Ask them if they will be willing to work with you.
Schedule a daily, weekly or monthly meeting to work toward that mutual goal.
Rock out together until you reach your goal!
4. Always Be Connecting
Rather you are making small talk at the register or hanging out with fellow soccer parents, your normal activities provide an opportunity to network with people every where you go. Creating harmony while you are pursuing your best life is easier if you make your networking activities a natural part of your day.
Tip:
Find like minded people in every area of your life.
Here’s how to do it:
Identify the goals that you have set and activities that support it. For example, if you are trying to be more health conscience making friends while in your local health food store or workout class would support your desire to be healthier.
Be open to networking ANY time. You never know where a quality connection will be made.
Join a formal networking group online and in person like Meet-up or TEAM Referral Network to maximize your best chances of finding other people that you would like to connect with.