Do You Need To Change Your Filter?
Posted on 24. Sep, 2007 by Susan in Motivation
No, I’m not talking about your air or water filters. This might sound a little strange, but what I’m referring to is your Life Filter. What’s the criteria that you have for whether you’ll say yes to a great opportunity, or no?
For example, I had an organization invite me to speak at their meeting and I was really excited about it. At first glance, I was doing back flips when I received the call. The group is the kind of group that I felt would really benefit from my Life Balance workshop, the participants are very motivated and fun, and the compensation was excellent. I had already formed some quick ideas in my mind of what I could do during my speech for maximum effect. The ideas were rolling. And then, I noticed one tiny detail that didn’t fit through my filter. The group only meets in the evening, during the workweek. A small detail, but probably the most important thing to me on my screening list. I rarely will commit to anything that interferes with my personal or family time during the work and school week. A few years ago, I probably would have still said yes, and watched the calendar fill up with things to the point of being overwhelmed. (Like the time I triple booked myself on my own birthday. Yes, that’s food for another blog entirely.)
It is so easy to get ourselves involved in things that we like and are worthwhile, but after some time, we begin to notice the stress and strain of "too much of a good thing." It is so important for us to be very intentional with our time, so that life doesn’t just happen to us.
A great way to avoid the hamster wheel trap, is to have a clear list of questions that you can ask yourself before you commit your time and energy to something. It helps to actually write it down. Something different and wonderful happens when we take the time to think about what we want, write it down, and tell other people about it. Things move from just making a mental note, to becoming reality. So, back to y
our list, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is it something that I will enjoy doing?
2. Is it a good cause or worthwhile?
3. Will is positively impact my life and the others around me?
4. Does it conflict with my core values?
5. Does it interfere with time with my family? **Have a guideline for yourself, such as "I will only commit to x number of things that take me away from my loved ones." Once you reach that number for the week, you know the answer is no.
6. Does is cause me too much stress and hassle? If yes, is there something else that I could do for this person/charity/organization that would better fit my goals? Is there another way to help that is better suited for you?
Having a clear set of guidelines for yourself is a great way to create more of the life that you want. It isn’t selfish to do this, it is actually generous and kind. "The essence of being human is being able to direct your own life," Steven Covey
Get The Book!
Featured In
