Week #1: What are your New Year's Dissolutions?
December 30, 2007
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This Week's Topic: What are your New Year's Dissolutions?
Dear Friend, When’s the last time you had
a seven-day vacation – no work, no email, no responsibilities – just
uninterrupted free time to do as you please? How about three, sit-down
meals a day? Or working out at least three times a week? If you are
like many people, it’s been longer than you’d like to admit. When I
wrote my new book, How Did I Get So Busy?, I surveyed more than 300 of
you about how busy your lives are. The answers were revealing and
confirmed for me just how important this topic is. More than 55% said
they had not had a friend over in more than two months. Nearly 60%
percent said they hadn’t had a seven-day vacation in over a year. Over
80% of the parents surveyed said enough time with their children and
70% of couples said they’re not satisfied with the time they get to
spend with their spouse. When you're too busy, you miss out on life. This
week, as we celebrate the start of 2008, I’d like to challenge you to
let go of New Year’s resolutions in favor of some “New Year’s
dissolutions.” Resolve to dissolve some of the activity in your life.
It will help you create the space and time to reconnect with yourself
and the people and things that truly matter to you. This time of year,
it’s easy to focus on what you want more of in your life. But
sometimes, it’s essential to focus on what you want less of. The old
adage is true, less is indeed more. The truth is that having
space in your life when you are used to your life being filled to the
brim feels awkward at first. Fear often rears its head and lures you
back to a life a busyness – fear that you’re missing out, fear of what
others will think, fear that if your life doesn’t look like the hectic
lives of so many around you then somehow you must have it all wrong.
But one of the keys to happiness is savoring the simple moments of life
and flowing in the activities and relationships that bring you joy.
It's hard to savor and flow when your life is one activity or deadline
after another. Letting go of some activity can mean discovering your
life as it was meant to be lived. Scientific evidence has shown
that losing something is harder than gaining it is good. And so, we
often agonize over choices that involve giving something up – even when
that something is no longer serving us well. I invite to take some
moments this week to reflect on what it’s time to let go of, so that
you have more space in your life for what you truly want. Here are a
few New Year’s Dissolutions to get you started: 1. Fewer commitments.
Perhaps
you’re reading this because it is time to stop committing to so much.
You may need to practice saying “no” or graciously bow out of an
activity that takes too much time. Maybe it’s time to focus on doing
one thing really well rather than five things done quickly.
2. Less drama.
Do
you find yourself often proving a point or getting into disagreements?
Do you expend a lot of energy when a minor crisis hits? Make a decision
to let go of the need to prove a point or have the last word. When a
minor crisis comes, calmly shift to plan B. No drama necessary. 3. Less stuff.
By
buying less, you have less clutter, less debt and less to take care of
– all of which decrease your stress and increase well-being. Be
intentional about what things you add to your possessions. 4. Less work.
If
you regularly work late, eat lunch at your desk or check voice mail
when you’re on vacation, it's time for less work and more self-care.
Don’t let yourself get to the point of being burned out before you
start giving yourself the breaks you need. 5. Less ______________________.
Fill in the blank. Be honest. What do you know you need less of? My challenge to you this week:
Before you resolve to do something new in the New Year, resolve to dissolve something that will make room for it. Journaling assignment:
What
do you want less of right now? When you think of letting go of it, what
are you afraid will happen? What change will you commit to despite any
fears that may exist?
Until next time ... Be Intentional!
 P.S. Encourage your friends and family by sharing this newsletter and invite others to subscribe! Just send them to
www.valorieburton.com, where they can enter their email address on the home page. Valorie
Burton is the author of several books, including her latest How Did I
Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule
and Reconnect with What Matters Most. A professional certified coach
(PCC), she has coached entrepreneurs and professionals in over 30
states and seven countries. Subscribe to her FREE, inspirational
e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.
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A Broadway Trade Paperback Original
In Stores December 26, 2007
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Are you caught in the race to get it all done—with little time to enjoy the rewards life has to offer?
Valorie Burton's new book, How Did I Get So Busy?,
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schedule.
Order the book by January 10, 2008
to claim these great rewards:
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To take advantage of these great offers, please visit valorieburton.com/specialoffers.
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Minds, Rich Rewards E-Newsletter is written and distributed by Inspire,
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