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Volume 1, Number 6
08-12-98

TIM'S SUPER SEVEN THINGS TO GET RID OF

As years advance and the tempo of life progressively quickens we often find ourselves lamenting the past, wishing to return to a time when life was simpler. The explosive growth in technology was expected to free us from our toils and shift concerns to managing our excess leisure hours. In reality, technology has only quickened the pace and increased the demands for productivity, efficiency and effectiveness. Most of us are hard pressed to find the time and energy it takes to take care of ourselves, provide for our families, and respond adequately to the challenges and responsibilities of everyday living. (And by the way, when WAS the last time you felt bored because there wasn't anything you needed to do or catch up on?) On the other hand, most people feel they have already sacrificed too much, and are unwilling to make further cuts in lifestyle to lighten their load. This Tim's Super Seven list identifies the often overlooked, reducible "line items" on the operating budget of life. Eliminating these hidden costs can free up the time, space and energy needed to engage your REAL priorities fully and joyously.

1. Clutter
   Clutter includes any unnecessary material things that obstructs our view, gets in our way, takes up space or slows us down. Clutter is distracting if not annoying, and we typically waste a lot of time moving it around. If it's not presently useful, beautiful, valuable or loved, get rid of it. If it is one or more of these these but it's not presently useful, store it in a way that keeps it out of sight and way but easily retrievable when needed.
   
   
2. To Do Lists
   The clutter on desks and in files usually has corresponding entries on to do lists. While the volume of tasks, projects and correspondence received daily often requires prioritization, you may be spending more time organizing than completing your work. The result? Lists of overdue to do's. Break that cycle by prioritizing items as "A" items which absolutely must be completed now, "B" items which need to be completed within a week, and "C" items for everything else. Throw the "C" list in the trash. Yes, literally! (If they are important they WILL resurface again, perhaps when they are a greater priority.) Put the "B" list in a folder and don't look at it until the end of the day or the next morning, when you will prioritize the next day's tasks. Number the "A" list by descending priority. Now focus on and complete Task 1 without interruption. After completing Task 1 it's time to consider new requests and "incommings." At this point quickly reprioritize your remaining "A" list and proceed to task 2 and so on. Get as far as you can each day, and end the day (preferably) or start the next by redoing your lists. This is a tried and true method that results in accomplishing much more in much less time, while relieving the stress of so much clutter and the need to "catch up." If you feel like making a bigger leap, try carrying everything your hand touches to completion as soon as you encounter it. That is, if you can't do it now, throw the note away, delete the voice mail or e-mail message, etc. Do this for a few days and you'll be surprised at how efficient you become at implementing the A-B-C strategy above!
   
   
3. Debt
   Debt is restrictive, plain and simple. Whether it's credit card bills or a borrowed book not returned, debt weighs us down psychologically and greatly restricts our options. How many opportunities have you passed up because of insufficient time, money, or other resources? (And by the way, time and other resources can often be bought, which makes money pretty important!) The first step to building the reserves that creates the freedom to capitalize on opportunity is to become debt free. Create a plan to clear your debts and try operating on a cash only basis. For example, few things other than a home mortgage and major business equipment should be bought on credit if you choose to go this route. The freedom to exercise options creates a sense of security and peace of mind, and THAT is priceless. (And while you're at it, why not send that book back to your friend you've held on to for years. She would love to hear from you, and you'll feel great too!)
   
   
4. Negative Attitudes
   Hans Selye, the father of stress theory, intuited: "It's not what happens to a man that matters, but rather how he takes it." Much of what we get stressed over is an extension of our attitude, which is completely under our control. Take getting hung up in the express line at the grocery store. Because someone has too many items and is trying to pay by check, we give up our composure and peace of mind. Truth is, we have a choice. We can think judgmental and self-righteous thoughts, increase our heart rate and blood pressure, flood our system with stress hormones, increase our muscle tension, etc.; or we can take the extra minute to meditate, people watch, or mentally review plans for some leisure activities. And what about the big stuff? When real adversity strikes look for the lesson that it offers; i.e. the opportunity to grow (e.g. what changes would you have to make to avoid this situation in the future, or to make the impact less severe?). Practice having an attitude of gratitude about the miracle of every moment of life.
   
   
5. Complaining
   Complaining is one of the most common self-sabotaging behaviors one can engage in. It wastes time and energy, makes the complainer look bad, irritates the listener, spawns resentment, and builds resistance to needed change. It is rarely if ever appropriate, and yet it's something we all do (although some MUCH more than others!). No, I'm not advocating that we tolerate behaviors and situations that are less than acceptable. To the contrary, extending one's personal boundaries and requiring appropriate and integrous actions are essential to personal and professional development. What to do then about those untenable situations? Turn every potential complaint into a request for change or action, and then direct the request assertively and unemotionally to the person with the direct authority to take action on your request. At the same time, monitor your own responses to requests. Attempt to handle others requests integrously and in a timely fashion. If these behaviors are not part of your "standard operating procedures," adopt them now and watch your self-esteem and effectiveness soar.
   
   
6. Bad Habits
   Smoking, alcohol and substance abuse; over-eating; poor sleep hygiene; sedentary lifestyle; and compulsive work, sex or gambling: all are examples of behaviors that greatly impair our abilities to discover and express our true nature and to share our gifts with the world. Get rid of any limitations that are holding you back. Access the resources you need to make these changes successfully; then you'll be free to go after the things you REALLY want out of life.
   
   
7. Poor Performance
   Life is like any investment in that what is gained will be proportionate to what you put in to it. So why should you put up with mediocre returns? Whether we find all we need within or utilize additional resources is immaterial. My vision is that when we reach the end of this journey we all will have the opportunity to say, "Yes I did!" instead of "I wish I would have." The following motto was shared with me over 20 years ago by my sensei (martial arts coach), Greg Spilka. It (and he) has been a significant influence in my life. I'm not sure of the origin, but it seems a fitting close to this edition of Salubrations:

   Good, better, best;
   never let it rest.
   'Till your good gets better;
   and your better gets best.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Tim Cline is a success coach. He supports people in attaining what they REALLY want out of life. Tim coaches his clients to plan and complete the actions needed to optimize their health, attain success, and enjoy a true sense of fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Tim coaches individuals and groups around the country via telephone. His services also include motivational speaking, workshops, seminars, and retreats. An experienced scientist, health educator, psychotherapist, project manager, consultant, athlete, fitness trainer, and skills training specialist, Tim is well qualified to coach anyone who is interested in attaining good health and a happy, prosperous life.

FREE OFFER:

Do you sometimes find yourself less than satisfied with your performance at work, home, or play? Are you doing well enough but wanting to step up to the next level, to have the edge, to go beyond the ordinary in performance AND personal satisfaction? There are myriad resources available, ranging from self-education/ self-help to consulting to professional clinical services. From singing and acting, to managing and negotiating, to all types and levels of athletics, coaches have been the resource of choice for well-functioning individuals who want to take their performance to the top. If you are ready to excel in life and to enjoy the level of reward and fulfillment you desire, success coaching may be just what you need. Why not try a free consultation to discover what coaching may be able to contribute to your life? To schedule your free consultation or to get a more detailed informational packet, call me at (323) 654-9721.

Copyright 1998 by T. R. Cline. All rights reserved