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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.
My priorities haven’t changed but I realized I need to attach some specific actions. I identified 1-3 actions per priority – either daily, weekly or bi-monthly, depending on the priority. This is a work in progress and I intend to add new actions once these new behaviors have begun to stick 🙂
This one was great – made filling out the June page of my goals planner sooooo much faster and easier than previous months.
I have been working on this list for awhile, It is great to focus on just 5 now.
It feels… simpler! 🙂
Relationship, finances, clutter, family, writing. I have a new man who is taking up a lot of my time but I want to enjoy and cherish this time with him rather than worrying about all the other things I should be doing. Feels right and I like the idea that this is what I WANT to focus on right now rather than what I think I should…
Cherishing this time sounds absolutely perfect to me Fritzy!
Finally catching up and list has been made. Excited to keep moving forward.
It’s amazing how easy this was. Great reminder of: 1. goals I’d already been working towards 2. what work still needs to be done and 3. that my priorities are MINE. I don’t need validation from anyone else.
I like that insight Rachel. They ARE yours and only YOU need to approve of them.
My 5 priorities are 1-Faith 2- Family 3- Friends 4 – Healthy Habits ( esp. weightloss! ) 5 – Organized & happy Home. Just a little concerned that I have over simplified my list as these areas are very broad. Putting these on my Google calender & a reminder email sent to me daily !!
Thank you for sharing the tip about the daily Google calendar reminder email! Even when I have things posted I somehow manage to overlook them (unless they’re in places I’d rather not post them)! I also left mine broad so I’m doing the extended option (was out of town so I’m starting late).
Interestingly enough, I ended up omitting something on my Top 5 list that I always say is a top priority. I corrected the list and am determined to make it a true priority. Glad to have this program to help 🙂
Interestingly enough, I ended up omitting something on my Top 5 list that I always say is a top priority. I corrected the list and am determined to make it a true priority. Glad to have this program to help 🙂
Nice one Ellen! Great to have you with us again on another challenge.
🙂 Kylie ~ Community Manager
Thanks, Kylie 🙂
Good challenge! Priority list posted and one step for each on this week’s calendar! =)
Hate to admit I made my list a little late since I was relaxing on Mother’s Day and enjoying time with my family. Yaay for relaxation one of my new priorities and family a top priority for me! I’ve always known my kids and my marriage were at the top of my list but my list has at least 15 priorities. Narrowing it down to the top 3 was easy but as for what to put in spots 4 and 5, not so easy. Lots of very important competing priorities, no wonder my schedule is overfilled and I end the day thinking there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I”m doing too much and spreading myself too thin and not really doing the best that I can for myself or giving the best of myself to my children, my marriage and my friendships. Something has to give! I’ve looked at my priorities before but never narrowed it to just 5 and never posted anywhere for me to see and be reminded daily. I think referring to my list will make the difference! From now on when I have to “check the calendar” before making yet another time commitment or before scheduling anything I’ll not only check my calendar but also check my priority list.
Elizabeth, the daily reminder will make a difference to where you put your focus each day. It’s a good way to prime your subconscious.
Not 5 but 6 of my long list for now… Must find time to help girlfriend going through chemo…
Wishing you love and peace Windy.
I did it. But it was really hard for me. This is a big issue for me. I get lost in everything being important. I choose the things that I spend most of my time on already assuming those are the things that I make time for, therefore a priority. It’s a working list at this point.
You might need an extra step Janet. What makes you happy? What makes you feel like you’re expressing your gifts, who you are? Are you spending time on those things?
Wrote my list. It wasn’t difficult to list the same things I have been saying for wayyyy too long as my priorities but allowing them to be over run by the urgent. Lord give me the strength to say yes to what really matters and no to all that would rob me of experiencing joy. To Brenda Monroe I will be praying for you. “Not giving up me to be loved by you” struck a familiar cord.
Read that list every day Carol!!!
I am looking at an extremely busy month or so coming up so my immediate priorities have to do with staying focused, planning ahead, and making sure I get enough rest to keep my energy. I almost didn’t sign up because of the timing – graduation, family wedding, a couple of major projects due at work – but then I always seem to be busy and decided I didn’t want to pass on this opportunity.
Stick to the 10-minute options Loralee and don’t put pressure on yourself to do everything perfectly.
Took a good amount of time on this, and I came up with 5 priorities in 3 categories: Family, Kids, Self. Looking forward to figuring out how this will help.
I guess I should share… 1. Be involved with kids without smothering them. 2. Lead the kids in academics, spirituality, and responsibility. 3. For the family create a welcoming home, activities, and meals. 4. Maintain and nurture connections (friends, family, new friends). 5. Stay relevant professionally by starting a business and going to school.
Now watch how reading that list every day affects your life Lisa…
It’s tough to pick only 5. I chose 1. Grow in my faith and be diligent about my daily prayers and time with God. 2. Be a better, more attentive, supportive wife. 3. Be a more mindful and gracious parent responding out of love instead of a “to do” list. 4. Take better care of my self including health, appearance, exercise, down time. 5. Get and keep the house clean, organized and a zone of relaxation and reduced stress.
5 is tough, but you’ve made a wonderful selection Rachel.
My goals are all about maintaining things I already have, or that I’ve been neglecting. Health/weight, career, relationships, prior commitments, and even my stuff. Sometimes once you have achieved something, you forget how much work it was to get there and you get complacent. Don’t take things for granted!
So true Jen. That’s why you have to keep doing these kinds of exercises with yourself.
This is a great idea. Affirmation of priorities. I love it!
I wrote down my priorities after I took an early retirement in late 2010 because of Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI). My short term memory and working memory are quite challenged (some days more than others). My updated list is: 1) Maintaining my brain function (de-cluttering and clear goals help me achieve that); 2) Quieting my soul and mind; 3) improving physical health, 4) achieving a balance in relationships (not giving up me to be loved by you).
What’s apparent to me today is that I’m putting myself before others this time. And I’m confident that my family will receive more benefits because I’m less stressed and more focused.
I’ve posted my priorities on my daily calendar (which I refer to often throughout the course of the day) and have a copy with my daily prayers (morning, noon, evening and bedtime).
Love you forever most wonderful sister in the whole world!
What a thoughtful list, Brenda. I particularly like 2) quieting my soul and mind. Over thinking things gets me into trouble sometimes – I’ll be adding that one to my list! Kylie ~ Community Manager