Times are a changing for me. Finally, after months of see-sawing between self-doubt and self belief, my never-give-up-on-creating-your-dream-life attitude has paid off.
I’m finally generating regular paid work, that’s also allowing me the lifestyle flexibility I want.
You heard it, 10 months after our move, and with another regular consulting gig on my books, my work hours are officially full.
With this has come happy dances for sure.
It also means my inefficient work habits need to stop. My days are full and I won’t be anywhere near my best if I continually flit form one thing to the next.
And if I allow distractions to rob me of time, when time runs out I know I’ll then rob myself of rest, yoga, Mumma time, self-care and other fun stuff.
So I’ve set a new intention…. to be fully engaged and focussed on one thing at a time, not only in my work but across my entire life.
This week I’ve been re-establishing the productive work habits I know work well for me. It begins with creating an environment that allows me to feel happy, focussed and relaxed.
Happy is a bright workspace with a view of nature, a pretty notebook, coloured pens, an inspiring quote and an uplifting essential oil wafting out of my diffuser.
Focus comes easier when I shut down or remove my distractions…. willpower alone is exhausting. So I’ve logged out of Facebook on my laptop and my personal email is no longer on there either. Its work focus only when I’m on that device. This also means when I close the laptop work is finished.
When the house is untidy and difficult to ignore, or the WIFI has slowed and I’m thumb twiddling and fidgeting, I’m packing up and heading for the library…. It’s all head down, bottom up quiet focused work there (with good WIFI!)
Relaxed and at ease requires me to be physically taken care of. Well rested, nourished and hydrated gives my mind the best chance to sustain a focussed effort.
This means eating a good breakfast and taking the time to stop for lunch and preparing wholesome dinners. Having a bottle of filtered water on my desk, herbal tea on the boil and nuts in case I get pekish.
Restless, stagnant energy is another big distraction, which is why I like to move my body regularly and remain active. A walk, yoga, even a bounce on the trampoline all help to move stagnant energy through my body and allows my mind to find moments of calm amidst the busy mind chatter.
Doing our best work and enjoying our lives requires preparation so we can give everything we do wholehearted, undivided focus and effort. And when you do this you not only experience success, you discover ease, flow and fulfilment.
Now think about all the ways you show up in your life each week. The work you do, the family you support, the relationships you nurture, the home you manage, the clubs and community you commit to.
Consider for a moment what you need to do in order to be at your best? What helps you feel happy, focussed and relaxed?
Do you need to get outside and walk at lunch time? A large bottle of filtered water on your desk? Herbal tea, nuts or fresh flowers on your desk?
Do you need essential oils on your pulse points and the diffuser filled with your favourite focus blend?
Do you need to work in silence, in a room with the door closed or are you at your best in the corner of a bustling cafe.
Do you need…. A 10 minute meditation each morning? A chilled playlist in the car? A warm shower when you get home? A walk with the dog after dinner? Twice weekly boxing classes?
Whatever it is you want – own it, love it and write it down. I sure do. Think of it as your very own productivity list.
And then decide to make it happen. Spoil your hard-working self with rituals that nourish your mind and soul. Move your body in a way that allows your mind to find calm, flow and ease.
Let’s face it we’ve all got a lot to do, so why wouldn’t you give yourself every advantage.
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