Imagine for a minute…You begin your workday, focused on what you want to accomplish . Then the phone rings, it’s your mom who is having health issues and wants you to research something for her. A few minutes later one of your children texts you and asks you to pick up something for them and by the way they’re bored. Does this sound a bit like your day? Pulled in a hundred directions, knowing full well that you’ll never get it all done. Feeling guilty because you want to do it all…be a good parent, a loving friend and have a successful business or career.
My wish for you is that you experience the freedom to release the guilt and begin living and enjoying the present moment. In our Business Summer Camp last week we talked about this issue and what blocks us from letting go of the guilt and loving NOW.
One of the top blocks to letting go of the guilt is the feeling that if we did, we wouldn’t be motivated to do anything! We picture ourselves laying around in bed as the kids fend for themselves and the bills pile up. And while laying around and doing nothing sounds blissful to most of us because we are exhausted I am betting you that after at least a week or so of relaxing (for most of us we’d only last a couple days!) you would be ready to get up and get things done and you wouldn’t have to feel guilty to do it.
The fact is the feeling of guilt takes precious energy not to mention making us feel awful. What if you went about your day guilt-free, knowing you were doing your best in the moment. Saying “no” when you were asked to do things that didn’t fit your priorities. Focusing on what is important to you. I dare you to try it. You don’t have to go cold-turkey just let go of the guilt a little at a time. Challenge yourself to stay focused on what you are doing right now rather then thinking about your impossibly long to-do list.
I was reading about living a day in segments and have found it very helpful. Here’s an example of how to do that… You wake up in the morning and ask yourself, “What do I intend as I get ready for the day?” Perhaps you intend to enjoy your shower, to get ready quickly and joyfully, to walk out the door with time to spare. Then the next segment may be driving to work. What are your intentions for that? Perhaps listening to something inspiring, having a safe journey, relaxing. Maybe the next segment is a meeting you need to attend. What is your intention for that? How do you want the meeting to go? What do you want to accomplish? I think you get the picture. By living life in segments and really focusing on what you want to do and how you want to feel it keeps our busy mind more in the moment. Enjoying now. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Have an amazing Monday!
Leanna Fredrich, Executive Coach
Leanna@amazingmondays.com
PS: It’s not too late to join Business Summer Camp! Find out more here…http://www.unstoppableyouintensive.com/events/summer-camp