Why does getting ahead seem so overwhelming?
There’s always too much to do. And worse, there never seems to be enough time, money or energy for achieving our biggest life goals. Well, for the next few weeks, I’d like to challenge you to work on improving your life just 1% at a time.
That’s right: together we’ll take “baby steps” towards lowering your stress level, bringing balance to your finances, work life, family relationships, gracefully overcoming self sabotaging behaviours and more.
The reality is that there’s a lot to be stressed about today. But relief is attainable with one or two small “wins” every few days—like paying off just one bill or decluttering just one room or setting just one new boundary with the kids or choosing a healthy home cooked meal over fast food convenience.
Of course, the concept of “1% Improvement” isn’t new. Many personal growth experts encourage us to do small things that have a large impact. But I especially like the way this concept is described in the bestselling book, Oola: Find Balance in an Unbalanced World: identify what’s not working in your life, then write down three tasks you could do tomorrow to solve just one problem or eliminate just one source of stress. READ THAT AGAIN! Identify what's not working in your life, then write down three tasks you could do tomorrow to solve just one problem or eliminate just one source of stress. I’m up for that kind of to-do list . . . how about you?
Over the next few weeks, I’ll guide you in making plans, taking steps, and sharing your wins with others as you decide to make “1% Improvement.” It’s what the Oola lifestyle taught me, and it’s what I help others do as an Oola Life Coach.
START TODAY: MAKE A LIST OF WHAT’S NOT WORKING
- Today, let’s take inventory.
- Do you have stress in any of “The 7 F’s of Oola” (below)? Write down your list of what’s not working in a journal or on your smartphone, so you can refer back to it.
Fitness: Excess weight? Poor nutrition? Self-sabotaging eating habits? Little exercise?
Finance: Crushing debt? No retirement plan? Too many bills?
Family: Need boundaries? Marriage on life support?
Field: Career stress? Unhealthy work environment? No free time? Low pay or benefits?
Faith: No real relationship with God? Need a daily practice?
Friends: Toxic friends that bring you down? Need mentors?
Fun: No time for fun? Waiting until you’re older or retired?
Whatever is stressing you, create your list of what’s not working. Find a quiet place where you can be with your thoughts and as you begin remember a few things: be humble, be courageous, be true to yourself, and be free of judgement.
Once you've finished your list, breathe, hug yourself, and rest. Today's heart work is done.
Love and blessings always
Erin Kathrine
xo
Erin Kathrine
xo
I have two families. How about you?
One might think I am talking about my families divided by divorce or the family I acquired with marriage. When truly, I am speaking of my earthly family and my blessed Holy family. Upon great reflection, here are the lessons I've learned from both.
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