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Welcome to Day 2.
Today we’re going to start thinking about what really matters. Those things that get forgotten or crowded out by the everyday chaos of life.
Choose Option 1 for the quick and easy version or Option 2 if you want to go deeper.
Here’s today’s Simplify Your Life Challenge…
Option 1 (10-15 Minutes)
Step 1.
Turn to a new page in a notebook, or open a new document on your computer or note on your phone/device.
Step 2.
Make a list of the things that matter most in your life right now.
Don’t just write what you think should be on your list – write what you actually do care about. No one else needs to see your list, and you can delete or destroy it when we’re done if you want. So take this opportunity to face reality and be honest. Don’t censor yourself – just write. Fast!
Remember to make your list about now – you can re-do this exercise any time your priorities change.
For example, your list might include some of these:
- My health
- Losing weight
- My marriage/relationship
- My kids
- My career
- My appearance
- My friends
- My golf swing
- My happiness
- My volunteer work
- My business
- My fitness
- My sex life
- My cooking skills
- My relaxation/time out.
Step 3.
Now go through your list and pick out your 5 top priorities.
These are the areas you want to focus on for the next few weeks. Don’t over-think this – you can revise or update any time.
Step 4.
Place your list where you’ll see it every day. Make multiple copies and put it in many places if you like – but choose your locations based on how personal the list is.
Ideas include:
- On a post-it on the fridge, bathroom mirror, your computer screen, inside your wallet
- Saved as a note in your phone
- Saved as your phone wallpaper and/or lock screen
- Taped to the outside of the shower screen, but facing in at eye level
- Inside your make-up/utensil/bedside drawer.
Make sure your list is somewhere you’ll see it every day.
Step 5.
For the rest of our 21-day challenge, we’re going to read this list daily, preferably several times a day. The constant reminder will help to keep us aware of making these 5 priorities genuine priorities in our lives.
And that will help us simplify choices about:
- How to spend your time
- What to say yes to
- What to say no to
- What to let go of
- Who to give emotional energy to
- Who to not give emotional energy to.
Option 2 (Extended)
For each of your 5 priorities choose a step you’ll take or task you’ll complete this week.
Now put each of these 5 items into your schedule for the coming week.
Take a Pic
Take a picture of your list, or of 1 item from your list that’s not too personal.
Post your pic to Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter using hashtag #21DaySimplify. Search this hashtag to see other people’s pics.
Rules
Rule#1: Don’t Over-Think
We are simplifying. If you find yourself trying to complicate this, then b-r-e-a-t-h-e and relax.
Rule #2: Move Quickly.
You can’t over-think or be a perfectionist if you stay in action mode. Keep moving.
Rule #3: Let It Go.
You cannot simplify if you’re determined to keep everything, hold on to every habit, and fight every change. Let. It. Go.
Check In
How do you feel about your list? Did something unexpected show up among your priorities?
Please leave a comment to stay accountable and to let me know how today’s challenge was for you.
I am very excited about this!!! Sometimes I need to remember what is REALLY important!
We all fall into that trap Jessica!
Had fun doing it using PicMonkey…My surprise–> I really need to get out with friends more than I do. It’s amazing how quickly I lose touch unless I cultivate my friendships. Thanks, Michele, for this “aha!”, I think. Kinda embarrassed. :/
I like to call it ‘the lightbulb moment’, Lucy! I love those. 🙂 Kylie ~ Community Manager
Got it down to six. It’s a note on my ipad, with reminders to look at it every morning.
Michele,
Made copies of my “TOP 5”-I really was surprised at a couple of my choices! But…a good surprise.
I think this 3 weeks is going to be an eye opener for me.
Made my list and didn’t overthink it…which was hard. Have it posted in my calendar to pop daily.
It actually makes me feel a little overwhelmed by looking at it. I know… this is just an exercise in our priorities to help us in this challenge. Sigh of relief…
Just let that list work on your subconscious Valerie – don’t let it be a source of stress.
I am 69 and dealing with retirement (which has potential for boredom and isolation), a disabled husband and a very elderly aunt who lives in a nursing home. My priorities are: 1. health & weight, 2. caring for husband and aunt, 3. keeping house and garden in decent shape, 4. attending arts events and reading, 5. hanging with friends. Such a cool idea to write these down and get focused.
Cool and effective! Thanks for sharing, Anita! Kylie ~ Community Manager
its so easy to lose yourself in the day-to-day demands that come your way. making the list is the first step, but keeping the list in the front of your mind as you make choices is the most important and for me the hardest part.
Now that you’ve identified the things that matter Lisa, your choices may not be as difficult as you think! 🙂 Kylie ~ Community Manager
After getting a bunch of clutter cleared I realized how the weight of it all keeps you tied down and not focused on what you really want to do in life. Good start but lots more work ahead of me!
I agree, Beth! Clutter can be confusing, sap your energy and stop you from taking the action you want to take. Free your mind! Kylie ~ Community Manager
This is a good challenge. I am at a point in my life where I need to start defining my priorities and this will definitely help to set me in the right direction.
Great to have you with us, Roz! Kylie ~ Community Manager
I could feel the release emotionally after choosing five priorities. I didn’t realize how much I was trying to give attention too. My spiritual time, my health / well being, organization in my life, develop my creative side, and my business are priorities now! Wow! It’s okay for it to be about me. Thank you, Michelle.
It’s very okay Dolly. Look after yourself and you’ll have more to give everyone else. Put yourself last and you’ll feel empty and resentful.
While these weren’t the specific items on my list, as I looked it over I saw that just about everything could be grouped into themes – being needed, feeling useful, having some control. Interesting! ETA: In context, these are understandable. Owning a small business has its ups and downs. Being empty nesters leaves a space that one isn’t always sure how to fill.
Empty nesters should be proud – they have completed a very special job! The next phase of your life Sharon is just as exciting – because now you can focus on YOU. 🙂 Kylie ~ Community Manager
Loved this one. I was in too much pain to do yesterday’s but will get it done today. Love how you break things down. I think I might actually follow this program.
LOL Kate I hope you do! Hope your pain eases too. 🙂
List is done and posted on the bulletin board above my computer. I sit here most of the day every day, so it’s definitely where it will be seen! I enjoyed the exercise. My top 5 are: Nurture Creativity, Keep up with Online Classes, Get Organized (specifically my work/craft space), Tag Photos and Digi Supplies, Nurture Relationships. I suppose in a perfect world, relationships would have been #1 but where I’m at right now my own creativity and time to myself is taking that #1 slot.
This is the beauty of being honest with yourself, Cheri. Nurturing your own creativity and taking time for yourself will probably allow you to have a whole lot more to give to your relationships. Trust yourself. 🙂
Making a list of my priorities was easy…..but finding the time and energy to work toward them, and knowing what to do to get there, is darn near impossible.
But the simple act of writing these priorities down, and the process of looking at them every day, will change the choices you make. You’ll notice a difference Marla.
I’ve now created an intention statement for myself….I am willing to practice giving affection, attention and appreciation to myself and others. I’ve noticed a difference already 🙂
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Just completed this activity, took a picture and posted. However, it went to my main facebook page. Not happy 🙁 about that. I guess I don’t know how to post it exclusively in the event. Anyway, this has been an ongoing project for me and I am at the action stage. I have a personal retreat planned fo this week and will be spending time refining these things at that time. 1. Family & Relationships, 2. Spiritual Pursuits 3. Peace & Harmony, 4. Health, 5. Fun & Relaxation, 6. Education, 7. Orderly Home
Debbie, seeing that list every day will start to affect what you say yes to and how you spend your time. Even subconsciously.
PS I don’t think FB has an option to set privacy on the event. But you can choose whether or not to post these comments to Facebook by selecting the box or not.
Oh goodness. This is a great task. My life is very very busy and I feel pretty lost sometimes. I need priorities. Thank you!
And when you’re busy Heather you can lose touch with your priorities. Sometimes you surprise yourself with the things that matter! 🙂
This is a great one! When you live in chaos, you are putting out fires all the time, not living your priorities. Thank you!
Well said, Luke! Those fires makes it hard to remember what lights YOUR fire. 🙂
I’m sorry – I don’t see the point of this exercise. Unless you think we don’t know what’s important to us?
Not everyone knows without taking the time to think it through. I’m going through a major life transition right now, and my life, home, and brain have been in such chaos, that I’ve just been trying to make it to the next day. I actually worked through several of the other products here over the last week to figure out what my priorities really are.
Toni Prekker Transitions can make it very hard to keep your focus on your priorities. Yay you for being proactive Toni!
When you’re busy Miriam you can find yourself spending time and energy on in-your-face tasks and neglecting important things. This process helps people think about what really matters to them. You may already be in touch with that. Or you may be in denial about what matters to you, and therefore irritated by the exercise. I don’t know. But I hope you can keep your comments constructive for the benefit of this community.
This was a long time coming for me and I must say a great way to really start the 21 days (de-cluttering from yesterday aside). I found it a little moving that my “top” priority was about desperately needing a “manageable/happy life”. Not sure I had admitted that to myself really, until now that is, as I focus daily on the physical side of making things look managed – when my outlook on life from the inside is obviously in turmoil. It was hard to let go of the guilt of things that (probably society) feel like they should be higher up the list, but as you say honesty is the best place to start from – even if you daren’t show it to anyone! Very interesting progress for me today, thank you for the prompts Michele x, and I promise not to be so “heeeavyyy maaan” with my posts in future, I promise I’m not a psychedelic hippie (not that I’m admitting today anyhow)! ;-p
Amanda, be wherever you are and comment however you want to. I can see that you’re on a significant journey. I’m happy to be sharing part of it with you. 🙂