When I was younger there was a time in my life that most of the things I was doing weren’t actually for me. I didn’t realize it at the time and genuinely thought I was doing what I was “supposed” to be pursuing.
My career, habits, and few relationships were, in some way, influenced by other people’s beliefs. My perception was that I was proactive and goal-oriented. The reality was that it was not about things that mattered to me.
After some honest reflection, I realized something. I had to stop doing things just because it pleased other people. I no longer wanted to smile on the outside and feel miserable at my core.
When I made room for what mattered to me I transformed my life. I cut things out that didn’t feel right. Putting myself first reminded me that being in control feels amazing.
I made it a practice to make room for what matters. It has served me well. These 5 questions help me evaluate what I need to focus on and I hope they help you too.
I call it “Reset In 5”.
Step 1 - What is important?
I typically focus on 3 items that I need to get done every day.
Those 3 things are chunked out into categories. The tasks I do may change but the categories don’t until I complete that item.
Using categories is just my way of making sense of what needs to get done. I’ll explain the categories in step #4.
Step 2 - How do I want to spend my time?
This quote sums up how time should be used:
“Where attention goes energy flows” – Author unknown
Time is precious so don’t waste it on things that don’t serve you.
What you direct your energy on will grow stronger. Consistent focus on what matters helps you get what you want or find the resources to make it happen.
Step 3 - What can I stop doing to make room for things that matter?
This is probably the most important step. You need to make space for the important things. That means letting go of activities, things, or people that don’t serve your big picture goals.
If you struggle with this step think about it like this:
- Think about your goals or dreams
- Write 1 goal you want to accomplish in the next 30 days
- In 1 column write what you dislike spending your time on
- In column 2 write what you enjoy doing with your time
- Draw a line through anything that you dislike but is necessary to live (example: laundry, income taxes)
- Decide if those leftover things will help you accomplish the 1 goal
- If they do, keep doing them
- If they do not, figure out what you should be doing by writing out the steps to complete the goal (reverse engineer it)
Step 4 Can I dedicate the time to this?
You’ve got to nurture the things you love, your goals, and important tasks. Make the time. Do what you have to do in order to see your dreams flourish.
Think about the energy quote. What you focus on will flourish. Don’t get caught up in how much time to spend on your item. Start somewhere and adjust your time as you need
Step 5 - What area of my life will this improve or enhance?
There are 5 categories or pillars that make up a happy, abundant life. They are:
- Health
- Finances
- Relationships
- Happiness
- Faith
I believe you can live authentically by improving these pillars. Health is at the top because it supports all the other parts to living in abundance.
If you’re unhealthy nothing else matters.
When I chunk out the time I use the pillars of life as categories. It helps me stay organized. So when I write out 3 things (sometimes it's 4) to accomplish each day it looks like this:
Health – 30 minutes of mat Pilates
Finances – blog marketing and YouTube channel research
Faith – a gratitude list
I hope the Reset In 5 helps you make room for what matters in your life.
Xoxo,
Nicole
Bonus Tip: Set A Reminder On Your Phone
If you're like me you get to the end of the day and ask yourself, "did I do all the things that are truly important?" One way I make sure to do those things is by setting a reminder on my phone like this down below. Try it and let me know if it works for you too.
