What are you putting off that would contribute significantly to your well being?
Today’s question comes from Tina Su, who in August of this year, did what so many of us say we’d love to do, but so few of us actually do: quit a great job to pursue a greater dream. In Tina’s case, this dream includes running Think Simple Now, the website for which she is the self-described Chief Happiness Officer, and which is packed full of a unique kind of inspiration: practical advice you can start acting on today. For an example of Tina’s work, check out her recent piece on why our obsession with doing too much is often what stands in the way of achieving what we want.
I recently moved into a new living arrangement, and have just returned from a trip abroad. All my things are in a semi-unpacked state in boxes and suitcases. Clutter gathered on every surface.
The task seems so overwhelming that I’ve been making excuses not to tackle it. Meanwhile, it’s been affecting how I feel. My outer state is a reflection of my inner state, and right now, my inner state is quite cluttered.
The solution is so simple, yet I’ve managed to avoid it for several weeks… until now. I’ve just created a plan for organizing my new living space and have broken the job down into manageable chunks. I will start executing the first chunk tomorrow. By taking baby steps everyday, I know that success is just a matter of time.
For more from Tina, check out our Inspired Interview.
The copyright of the article What are you putting off that would contribute significantly to your well being? in Daily is owned by Carrieanddanielle.com. Permission to republish What are you putting off that would contribute significantly to your well being? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Read more at Carrie and Danielle: Daily
November 13th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Going to sleep! No, really. So much to do, and yet more sleep will help me do it all, and better.
November 13th, 2008 at 4:39 am
I have been putting off dating after divorce. I told myself that I would wait a year and really get grounded in ME and my kids. It is now a year and I feel more ready. Just dreading sifting through a bunch of possible lunatics and psychos until I find a great guy. When I see it as I see work, that I have had many clients who were not the right fit and now I am finding a better fit, I know that it is part of the process for me to do some sorting. I also know that I have to do adapt the same approach to dating as I do to my life: Just do it. Take the steps to start moving or nothing will happen. So I commit to posting my profile on a dating site in January.
November 13th, 2008 at 4:39 am
I am overextended working full time & I am in the 1st year of my new business, so I don't really have the time to take good care of myself, in the way I would like to. So my easy answer here is, healthy eating & the subsequent weight loss. When I don't eat alot of fruits, veggies & grains~ I can tell in the way my body moves & in the way I feel. When I eat alot of processed foods, my energy level plummets. Also being active outside significantly contributes to my overall sense of well-being! So my easy answer is~taking better care of me!
November 13th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Dropping my biggest client would be the best thing i can do for my well-being. However for my bottom line?. No so much.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Taking a break. I feel like I need to move full-throttle ahead every day or else I'll miss my chance/won't succeed/will live in a box.
But then I realize that I'm letting other things suffer like appreciating my time with my boyfriend, family and friends.
Need to sloooooow down.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Firming up my thanksgiving plans with my friends, specifically making it so It ends up being enjoyable and stress-free for me. I am going to take care of that right after I write this.
November 13th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Begin the Bharatanatyam classes that I been wishing for, for so long. Never really taken a dance class before. This will be my form of yoga. I love the idea of stomping my feet and feeling grounded.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prQOdTmF8u0
November 13th, 2008 at 6:34 am
I'm a fan of Tina Su and TSN…nice to see her here.
———
I'm putting off getting an estimate to get a once/month house cleaner. I keep fooling myself that I can handle it all on my own (mind you I'm working full time and in grad school). My husband is on board with the idea (he works full time and runs two side businesses). Once we do hire someone it will really help me to devote more time to my studies, going to the gym, and just 'me' time in general. This post reminded me that I really need to get the free estimate and book the service…
November 13th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Uncluttering. Exercise. Rest. Obedience school for the puppy. Putting laundry away where it belongs. Rearranging the kitchen cabinets. Finish painting the kitchen cabinets. Putting wall shelves up. Framing some pictures for my bare, bare walls.
November 13th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Several things: learning to sew ( I've always wanted to do this), EXERCISE – I used to love it then got sick and stopped, I'm no longer ill, but need to modify my routine per dr. orders…. Eating more healthfully, my body has been reacting BADLY to the junk I've been filling it with. Decluttering my home and LIFE – you know too many things to do, so little time with the holidays coming up it seems I've Busy,busy, busy, BUT NOT productive… And finally enjoying my children, letting go of this and that need done and just spending time with them that is relaxing for all of us… Letting go of the 'plan' and just remembering to take the day as it comes and enjoy what is presented that day.
November 13th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Wow, how timely! I was just contemplating exactly what Tina did back in August… quitting a high paying job (in a down economy) to follow my dream and work full-time on my own company.
November 13th, 2008 at 7:54 am
Getting more sleep!! I keep shorting myself and being less thatn alive. Making my time a priority even if I am “doing nothing” is the next great hurdle. Is it my age? Am I afraid that it won't all get done before I die?
November 13th, 2008 at 8:00 am
I just finished a 10 day Master Cleanse, so now it is time to get my body MOVING! Time to go back to the GYM (after a 5 month hiatus)!!!
November 13th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I'm putting off quitting my job to freelance ful time. I'm just shy of miserable at work, but I'm terrified to give up the steady paycheck in this economy. But, every day I get a little closer. I think I'm just on the brink now. My commute just increased to 15 hours/week, which is making my home computer look extraordinarily inviting.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I was ok being single til one day I wasn't and it took ages to declare I wanted to date. Sucked it up and I told everyone, got set up with my husband seven years ago! Thinking of you Sandy and sending you “be your self vibes!”
November 13th, 2008 at 9:42 am
“Close one door another door opens” I encourage and support you in letting go of the big client and trusting a wonderful client will nurture your well being and career.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Definitely getting back into running. When I was in grad school I'd regularly run over 60 miles a week, but since I had quite a serious leg injury a couple of years ago, I've really let things slide. The odd time I've gotten out there, it's reminded me how much clarity and focus it creates.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Like you for years I thought, I can clean myself, hated and resented it. Best thing I did for my marriage was hire a cleaning person. More me time and marriage time, money well spent!
November 13th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I'm the opposite here. I recently canceled our cleaning service and started doing it myself. Perhaps the novelty will wear off, but right now there is something immensely satisfying about making our house really clean (rather than the superficial clean our service used to provide).
November 13th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Thanks for sharing, Carrie. Lots of women try to be “strong” by saying they are fine just as they are, alone and single and doing great. And the truth is, they would rather be with someone but think it is not possible to find that someone. I believe it is possible, and I will go out there as myself and not compromise any of my core values in order to find that match. It might not be a smooth ride, but it can be a fun one! Thanks for the vibes….
November 13th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Developing proper sleep habits! I have always been an erratic sleeper, and being in grad school and working self-employed/full-time in a creative field doesn't help, either. To this end, I really need to make myself get off the computer at a proper hour.
November 13th, 2008 at 10:12 am
In the name of “Be brave and mighty forces will come to your aid,” if you made the decision to drop that big client, would the Universe immediately replace it with the kind of clients you really want & need because you've made room and stopped resisting? And you know how the Universe abhors a void. Just wondering…
November 13th, 2008 at 10:19 am
There is one thing that everyone tells me I need to do and really, it's not serving me well. It's gotten to be more of a bad habit. I stay up waaaaay too late every night. I am not rested, I get a later start to the day than I would like, although I sure don't sleep in.
By nature I seem to have always been a night person, which was fine when I was younger. I'm not sure how early I can get to my bed, but at least before midnight would be a good place to start. Right now it's anywhere between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. I think I'm afraid I'll miss something??
November 13th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Read the responses to TEXTIMAGE
November 13th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Insert Applause here!!!
November 13th, 2008 at 10:26 am
WOW!! Look at all the lack of sleep responses… Let's all make that commitment together and report back in a week on how we did??
November 13th, 2008 at 10:31 am
I could not agree more about hiring someone to clean. No matter what my budget was, I always made room for that. I've had professional teams and private individuals and find that hiring an individual is less expensive AND you can really fine tune the service the way you want. It's a fabulous gift to give yourself… you will not regret it.
November 13th, 2008 at 10:32 am
ditto on cleaning/ decluttering. I am in a fertile creative phase, and that stuff seems to start to slide… Time to break down the tasks into “micro-movements” a la Sark yet again, put on some Cuban music, an electric boogaloo outfit that makes me feel silly and energized, and get to work.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Doing something creative. It seems so easy to focus on practical things and the tangible rewards and necessities they bring. I know that doing something artistic and creative will bring me joy in the long run but it's just so easy to put off.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Thanks Linda (and Carrie!). i KNOW what to do. In fact, my favorite quote is: “When you have come to the edge Of all light that you know And are about to drop off into the darkness Of the unknown, Faith is knowing One of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or You will be taught to fly”. However, I also have to contend with my very real need for security. Soon enough, with y'alls continued support and wisdom, the balance will shift away from perceived security to the beautiful unknown of possibility and well-being!
November 13th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Thanks, Linda! Keep cheering…I need the encouragement!
November 13th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Calling my out-of-town friends – when I'm busy I tend to go into my own bubble. A couple of close friends moved away for work this past year – to Saarbrucken, Germany and New York, and to be honest, I should be calling them a lot more than I am! It is always on my 'to do' list to give them a ring or a quick email, but I keep putting it off, thinking 'I don't have the 1+ hours that is necessary for a truly rich chat with them right now.' Perhaps what I ought to be doing is a higher quantity of shorter calls – maybe then I won't think I don't have the time! I did just hear of a great phone service last week – Talkster.com – turns long distance numbers into local numbers so it's essentially free for you to call, anywhere in the world. I just tried it out last night with a call to NYC – the reception's not too bad..!
November 13th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Exercise! i have been a semi-sloth for too long now. I get totally absorbed by art projects, writing and life in general and forget about my poor bod.
http://www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
November 13th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
simplify in every way. clear the way so the right stuff can come.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
ditto. Christian Northrup said something on Oprah that stayed with me: you need to PREPARE yourself for sleep. So basic. No computer. hot bath. tea, whatever. Eeeeease into the new zone. (I know not of what I speak. I work until the last minute, wash up and crash – and it takes me a while to slow down my mind.)
November 13th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Throwing myself right into my happiness. Letting go.
Finishing the manuscript that's been driving me crazy!
November 18th, 2008 at 8:51 am
[...] I admit it: I totally stole this question from Carrie and Danielle. But how could I not? It was short, concise, and made me think. It was a perfect Tough (Question) [...]
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I need to stop thinking so much and just do. I need to listen to my heart and stop letting my head and my desire to analyze everything get in the way. I need to go back to hot yoga classes too.