Cooper and I were chatting this morning about how to make time for personal endeavours; that is, how do you find the time to follow your heart? You see, I’m a little more adept at juggling a lot of things because I’ve been forced into being organised through running my own business, and doing absolutely everything as a sole trader. While I am working full time now in a gig I love, I haven’t lost the habit of always ‘doing something’ (although, I think that’s a personality type too – perhaps you relate!). Plus, I’ve got stories to share and messages to promote – hence TLL.
I know plenty of people who want to design a slightly different life for themselves, or pursue other passions entirely aside from their current work situation. But it’s really challenging, with family commitments, work, life and that irritating nemesis, tiredness!
The conversation got me thinking about what advice I’d give to Cooper, or anyone else struggling with an already packed program when it comes to work/life balance. I’ve learned a thing or two on my own, but also through observing others – including super busy mums – who have successfully created a life and/or business they love.
Have a listen…
Key take-aways
How to find the time to follow your heart:
- Set time aside each morning – just 20 minutes is all you need. If that means you have to get up early (short-term pain for long-term gain), then do it. Start now.
- I live by my mornings now, and strongly suggest you spend the first 5 to 10 minutes of yours in contemplation about the day to come, and how great it’s going to be.
- Spend another 10 minutes or so in inspired action towards your ultimate goal. Write/blog/mind-map/watch a motivating YouTube clip. Start the day off on a positive note.
- Keep a notebook (or equivalence) with you to jot down goals, ideas, dreams, plans, gratitude lists and things you want – do this throughout the day! Not only will this exercise attract better things into your world, it’ll cheer you up in the process.
- Do one small thing towards your goal/dream/big idea every day. No action is too small.
- Keep an eye out for opportunities to learn, in the form of webinars and free online activities that will only take up an hour or so of your time each week. Subscribe to your favourite service-providers or coaches’ email alerts.
- Utilise YouTube – set up your very own motivation playlist, and save clips in there that you can access at any given time, day or night. Clips might include TED Talks, motivational monologues, 10 minute mindfulness meditations, videos by business or spiritual coaches… Whatever gets you going.
- Reflect before sleep, on the day that’s been. Be proud of your actions and set an intention to keep moving forward tomorrow.
By Sarah Blinco │ Feature image, Inspiyr.com, Flickr creative commons
