In today’s world of technology, influence and expectations, it makes sense that we get overwhelmed at times. Or maybe, even feel that way all the time.
My clients and friends talk about spinning minds and living in a constant state of stress. To cope they distract themselves with mindless social media scrolling, snacking on unhealthy foods and other habits that don’t serve them.
And then, they feel ineffective and guilty, blaming themselves for what doesn’t feel right in their lives.
I can relate. Can you?
Our lives are littered with thousands of choices every day. Evaluating these choices and making decisions can be exhausting.
Things get even more complicated when we look outside ourselves for the answers. We can research things endlessly through the internet or AI, wasting time that could have been used in more valuable ways and delaying the benefits of final decisions.
Too many choices and too much information to get stuck in has become the theme song of our lives.
There must be a simpler way. A way that feels easier and helps us stay more grounded within ourselves. I think there is, and it goes like this.
Connecting with Your Values:
We need an anchor that will keep us grounded in what matters most to us and connected to our inner wisdom. Identifying your top 5 core values is one of the easiest ways to do this.
Here is a small sample of the many values you might choose from.
- Family
- Success
- Creativity
- Integrity
- Wealth
- Community
- Fun
You can simply write out your favorites and then narrow them down to your top 5 or you can download my Core Values Identification Worksheet here.
Once you know your core values, you can use them as guideposts for how you want to live your days or for making choices that align with what matters most to you.
Setting Clear and Positive Intentions:
Intentions provide focus on how we want to show up or what we want to do. They are best worded in the first person and usually are not tied to a specific outcome like goals. Here are a few examples:
- I intend to live this day aligned with my values and grounded in honor and love.
- Today I intend to focus on being more peaceful, positive and productive.
- My intention today is to be fully present in everything I do.
Intentions can guide you in a direction that feels meaningful, positive and aligned with your higher self, which is a wonderful state to be in when you have choices to make. I often recommend writing down an intention for your day and then checking in with it regularly.
Asking the One Question that Really Matters:
While we stew in the overwhelm of too many choices in our day our brains become overloaded. They think we need to keep asking new questions to find new answers for everything that comes up.
But what if there was only one question to ask?
Instead of getting caught up in all the details simply ask yourself – “What is the next right thing?” This question will guide your direction, while supporting your forward momentum. It will allow you to navigate your day with more peace and productivity.
Imagine how that question might support you:
- When you finish one task and are ready for the next
- When you are tempted by unhealthy habits
- When you want to avoid adulting
- When you have a moral dilemma
What might shift for you if you started asking yourself the next right thing instead of every possible thing?
How would you feel if you practiced aligning with your values, setting clear and positive intentions and focusing on the next right thing?
You can start small or dive right in. After all, what have you got to lose?
- Excess social media scrolling
- Mindless TV you don’t even enjoy
- Poor food choices
- Overwhelm, unhappiness, self-judgement
- Feeling stuck, distracted and unable to move forward
But what do you have to gain?
- Feeling more grounded, aligned and self-directed
- Better focus and productivity
- Feeling more confident and in control of your life
- Improved health and wellbeing
- Feeling proud of who you are and what you are doing
The choice is yours.
So, now I want to ask you an important question.
What is your next right thing?
Free Resource: Values Identification Worksheet
If you are considering hiring a coach to support you through challenges, creating something new or building a more peaceful, positive and meaningful life, I would love to talk to you. Contact Linda
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