Simplify - and Be Happy

People's lives today are jam-packed with great projects, ideas, to-do lists, errands, things we should do, things we could do, duties and obligations. No surprise then, that many of us feel we barely have time to do the things we have to do (or think we have to do), let alone spare time for fitting in anything extra.

Why do we insist on keeping ourselves so busy? We have trained ourselves to believe that to be busy improves our chances of success in this world. The "no pain, no gain" mentality. Also, our minds love to be active. For many high achieving types, taking "mental time out" is tantamount to laziness!

Being busy is not necessarily a bad thing ? often we accomplish a lot in our busy lives. But when we get to a point where the level of activity is running our lives, it's time to take some action! Ask yourself:

Why do I choose to take on all the things I do?

Do I really understand what is driving these choices?

What are the things I can't do that I would like to, because I am too busy? - Enter the simplification process. It sounds deceptively easy but the reality is usually different. It's hard to let go of things that you have invested time, money and emotions into.

I suggest people look at 3 areas:

Firstly, stop doing things ? just stop

Pick 2 or 3 activities (like projects, committee memberships or DIY home activities) and decide not to do them. That's the first big step.

Second, examine all the great ideas you have in your head

The things you keep thinking about that take up mental space like:

- financial goals that have yet to come true

- becoming a size ten

- winning the lottery

You've done OK in your life without those things so far, and chances are that you'll continue to survive. Give them up.

Third, reduce or eliminate your errands

These sneaky timewasters chew up a lot of physical and mental energy. If you haven't' done them, you are thinking about doing them, and once they are done, you often need to repeat them from month to month! With the technology around today, there are very few errands that need to take up time. Bill paying, shopping, buying presents ? all these things can be done in a fraction of your time on the internet, or can be outsourced.

The reality is if we have nothing better to do, we'll keep doing all those things we normally do ? the things that keep us busy. Simplify your life and make time to find those better things to do. Guaranteed, you'll enjoy it.

Megan Tough - published writer, coach, facilitator and speaker - works with people to create outstandingly satisfying and truly successful professional lives. Make more money - have more fun! To learn more and to sign up for more FREE tips and articles like these, visit http://www.megantough.com

---

Eleven Keys to Success and Happiness

1. Mend a quarrel Seek out a forgotten friend and tell them how much you enjoyed them once and that you wish them peace.2. Dismiss Suspicion Take... Read More

The Most Beautiful Flowers

The most beautiful flowers, in conjunction with their design and color schemes, create feelings that enhance our mood. They are a simple and sincere way to lift... Read More

Great Relationship Problem Solving Technique

This is one of my all time favourite problem solving techniques, and I use it on a regular basis with clients who find it hard to get... Read More

Spiritual and Sexual Healing

Couple issues such as spirituality and sexuality rank higher than financial reasons as the most affected items of a fumbling relationship. When it comes the moment to... Read More

How Can I Tell What Vibes Im Sending Out?

The Law of Attraction exists in your life right now; whether you understand it or not, whether you know it or not, and whether you like it... Read More

Dont Let Life Happen to You

Don't Let Life Happen To You It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to... Read More

Happiness Fleeting

"You cannot capture happiness no matter how hard you may chase after it. Happiness is something that follows you." The words of the old sage echoed in... Read More

Design Psychology: How Our Sensory Responses to Aromas Create Happy Homes

Our sense of smell elicits strong emotional reactions and triggers powerful memories, whether we're consciously aware of it or not.Scents and FeelingsOur olfactory system sends a chemical... Read More

How to Stop Attracting Negative People to Your Life

Placing your attention, energy and focus on the negative aspects of some people in your life brings you more of the same. Simply put, that's the Law... Read More

Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the cycle is a term we have all heard. Especially if we come from a family (and these days who doesn't) that has a history of... Read More

Clearing a Path for Happiness

In the United States, the pursuit of happiness is a god-given right and Americans have a document to prove it. But I wonder why the Founding Fathers... Read More

See for Yourself : 12 Step Tools Can Bring Happy, Joyous and Free into Everyones Life

We are all familiar with or have heard of the many Twelve Step programs and communities. The reason the 12 Steps are so effective in helping people... Read More

How To Live Happily Ever After

In life, many of us simply plunge ahead, only to realize later that some of the things we did, we wish we hadn't, and some of the... Read More

Laughter

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." e.e.cummingsI was reading some material last week about the effects of laughter on our health. We all... Read More

Happiness - A Choice You Must Make

Over the course of my life's journey I have come to realize that happiness is much more something we must choose then something that simply comes and... Read More

Happiness Is In Our Own Hands

Other people can bring tremendous happiness to our lives but we cannot rely on them alone for happiness. Clinging to people because we think our happiness depends... Read More

Most of Your Unhappiness in Life is Due to...

I want to share with you today one of those great moments, when you suddenly experience a life changing burst of clarity. When suddenly the answer you're... Read More

Happiness Increases Longevity...Where Do We Find This Gift of Life?

According to U.S. research, you can add seven and a half years to your life just by being happy!Backing this claim up is Laurie Hayes, Life Strategy... Read More

Can Existential Therapy Give You a Sense of Wellbeing?

My journey to becoming a therapist began with a desire to develop greater significance in my life and improve the quality of my relationships. Having worked as... Read More

Happiness - Cause and Effect

Your reaction to the events around you determines how you feel and how you affect those you come into contact with. Consider the following example:Jane, a bank... Read More

Flow as in Flower

The seeds you sow determine the crop you reap. This is pretty common knowledge. Knowledge, unfortunately, is only productive in its application, not in its accumulation or... Read More

The American Dream ? At What Cost?

When people are asked, "How many of you are content and happy with what you have?" the reply of an overwhelming majority of people is "Not me."... Read More

Healthy, Wealthy and Happy in 2005

Life is simple. You'd be surprised to know that most of the cherished things in life are almost at arm length and not too expensive either. Yet... Read More

Colors: How Do They Make You Feel?

One of the most important colors in advertising is the color blue. Calm, comforting, soothing, and peaceful are all feelings evoked from this color. The color blue... Read More

Have Fun, Make Friends, Be Happy

I always marvel at the way people shine when they break through a roadblock in their lives. It's brilliant and it's also incredibly attracting. There's a sense... Read More

Keys to Happiness

"Happiness is the whole aim and end of human existence" - Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you... Read More