There’s a saying, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” Or, “The more you do, the more you’ll do.”
I’ve always have many balls up in the air. I’m the President of a local Toastmaster Club, the leader of a band, I blog, I teach mindfulness meditation and I’m a succesful coach.
With all this going on in my mind sometimes it gets a little overwhelming.
Do you ever get stuck and unsure about which way to turn next? Maybe you’re agonizing over discovering your passion or purpose, what brings you joy, how to make more money or how to find that perfect relationship.
Sometimes you can over-think the problem to the point where your mind becomes muddled and confused.
Maybe you get to the point of overwhelm and you just find yourself feeling stuck. You know – analysis paralysis. Sometimes life just gets complicated.
I’ve been there many times as I have a curious mind and can see many sides to a problem. I’ve tried many techniques for getting clear when life gets confusing. Here are my 7 top tried-and-true tips for getting clear when life gets complex.
1. Give Your Mind a Rest
Retreat! Take time to be quiet and meditate. Use mind-quieting techniques that will help you calm your over-active mind. Here’s an easy guide to mindfulness meditation for beginners that will teach you everything you need to know.
Once centered, you’ll see your life more clearly and you’ll be able to make better decisions to support your worthy goals.
2. Work Out
When someone asked entrepreneur, Richard Branson what his number one top productivity and confidence tip was, he simply said: “Work out.”
I’ve noticed that when I’m in a mental funk, all I need to do is go to the gym. When I get back to the office, I’m more energized, clear and focused.
- If your mind is confused and cluttered – work out
- If you want more energy – work out
- If you want to keep from getting sick – work out
- If you want more focus – work out
- If you want to look better in your jeans – work out
3. Pro-Con Statement
When faced with a decision, one of the most valuable tools I use is a pro and con statement.
Take out a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of the page. Across the top of the page, draw a horizontal line to form a T. Label the left side “Pro” and the right side “Con.” Now create a question around your challenge or decision.
For example, “Should I stay in my current career or should I become a freelancer and go out on my own?” Now list all the options in favor or against this question.
After listing all your pros and cons, add them up. Often, simply doing this exercise will bring great awareness and clarity.
4. Create a Mind Map
A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea.
I use mind maps to bring clarity for my business and personal life. I start with one central theme and then brainstorm. I like using MindMeister.com.
5. Revisit Your SMART Goals
I’ve found that using Smart goal setting helps me clarify my vision for my future-life. Smart goal setting keeps me clear and on track.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal Setting is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely goal attainment.
– Specific
When you get specific and crystal clear on exactly the “who, what, when, where and why”, your chances of attaining you goal increases by leaps and bounds. Writing a goal like, “lose weight” is much too general.
A specific goal would be, “Make an appointment with a dietician on Monday at 1:00 PM to plan my new dietary lifestyle, meet with my trainer on Wednesday to discuss my work out regimen, and buy running shoes and work out clothes to keep me inspired,” is decidedly more specific.
– Measurable
Ask yourself, “How much, how many and how will I know when it is accomplished?” You need to be able to measure your progress. Set a target date and mark the calendar.
Make a sign and tape it to your computer and look at it everyday. When you hit your target, feel the exhilaration of your accomplishment. It will spur you on to reach your next smart goal.
– Attainable
When you write down goals that are meaningful to you, you’ll figure out ways of making them come true. When you clarify and define your smart goals, previously overlooked opportunities arise and become more apparent.
This awareness brings you closer to achieving your goals. You begin to see the new attitudes, skills and finances required to reach your smart goals. As you grow and expand, goals that may have seemed elusive or far away, move closer and become attainable.
– Realistic
For a goal to be realistic, you must truly believe in your heart of hearts that it can be achieved. Do you love your goal? Does it inspire you? Some of the loftiest goals ever accomplished actually were realized simply because they were a labor of love.
Ask yourself if you are passionate about your goal and if you are willing and able to accomplish it. If you accomplished this kind of goal in the past, it is more likely that you will accomplish it in the future.
– Timely
If you are a marathon runner and there isn’t a finish line, how do you know when to stop running? A smart goal should have a time frame. Without a finish line, there’s no definitive sense that you have attained your goal.
Setting a time frame keeps the sub-conscious mind aware of your goal. State clearly, in written form, “I will lose 5 pounds by April 15, 2011.” Use your Google calendar reminder tools to send you a daily email to keep you on track.
6. Take a Vacation
Maybe all you need is a little rest and relaxation. What about re-creation? You know what they say, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Take a hike, go to the beach or go somewhere in nature.
7. Hire A Coach
A coach listens to you from an objective viewpoint and reflects back your language and beliefs.
A coach expands your view and drops you into a new reality and a new clarity. As you clear your mind of old mindsets and beliefs, you begin to heal yourself.
Call me 404-NOW-MIND for a free 30 minute get-aquainted session. Together, we’ll identify your challenges and strategize solutions.
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