Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is STOP.
I know this may be a challenge for some of you who are still obsessing about your new year’s resolutions. That’s the first thing you can stop.
Then consider your life if you were to stop these four…
- Stop over-promising.
- Stop beating yourself up.
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Stop doing those things that feel like obligations.
Just stop.
What are 10 things/aspects of your life that you could let go of, stop doing, or simply give up?
How about:
1. Stop sitting at your desk for more than an hour at a time =>Instead, get up, stretch or go out for a short walk.
2. Stop eating in the kitchen =>Instead, set a place at the table, sit down, relax and enjoy your food.
3. Stop spending so much of your precious time online => Instead, call a friend and connect.
4. Stop checking your emails in the evening => Instead, be present with the people and activities you love.
5. Stop slacking off => Instead, keep your word. If you say you’re going to do something, just @#$% do it.
“In the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.” – Tolstoy
6. Stop comparing yourself to others => Instead, look in the mirror and appreciate who you are.
7. Stop listening to the negative thoughts in your head => Instead, change your mindset and listen to how awesome others think you are.
8. Stop worrying so much => Instead, dream and talk about what you want.
9. Stop pretending you don’t care => Instead, be bold, express your emotions and get real!
10. Stop dreaming of someday => Instead, take action, just one. Right. Now.
Imagine implementing half of these.
How would your life change for the better?
We focus so much on doing that we forget to be beings.
I am going to comit to stopping checking my emails in the evenings – that will please my hubby! and me too – it’s way to easy to get distracted instead of focussing on what’s right in front of you!
It’s taking the small actions consistently over time that makes all the difference. And yes, we are human beings not human doings.
Sandi, are these your 10, or some you came up with for others? I’m going to think about some for myself. Very inspirational. Thank you!
Anna,
These are 10 that came up for me as I was writing. I also had a feeling many people would be able to relate!
I have to borrow one of yours.
Stop sitting at your desk for more than an hour at a time. I am really guilty of this. In fact, most of my day is spent sitting in front of one computer or another.
Stop spending the entire evening in front of computer check FB for things that really add very little to my existence.
Amazing how time flies sitting at our desk in front of computers! Even a 5 minute stretch helps!
Oh boy but I am so guilty of sitting at my computer too long and checking my emails all the time. I’ve begun to wonder if our smartphones are so smart for us!
I think I can add one and that is to stop waiting for that ‘big thing’ to happen. Just go for it..life is too short to sit around waiting for the perfect time or the perfect place.
A great list! Thanks for the reminders.
Stop waiting for that “big thing” to happen -> Love this!!! Thanks for sharing.
Really love this post and all the ideas! I don’t sit at my desk all the time, but I’m on it in the evening because of the time difference between France and the US or Canada – but there are others that resonate with me!
Great post!
Awesome Cheryl, thanks! Or should I say merci? 🙂
I love teaching people how to say no, I just love it! I had to learn this one myself and still occasionally with certain people (like my mum lol) find it more difficult. The more I say it the lighter I feel, isn’t that a hoot?
I teach people that you don’t have to say why or what, they have no right to an explanation – just say this “Oh, I would have loved to do ?? but I have another appointment!” or a version of that said with real regret. Now your appointment might be with your couch, a box of chocs and a good movie – however they don’t have to know that! and your ‘me’ time is at least as important as doing stuff for others or how else will you put the spring back into your step that means you can be and do the best that you can be and do?
You are so funny my infinite friend!
My problem is I keep comparing myself to others when it comes to business and I need to S T O P STOP that. This in turn plays into negative self talk which goes into a vicious cycle. I know I am equally as smart if not smarter than my competition. I know I can do what it takes to get things done just like everyone else in my niche. I am awesome at networking and sharing resources. I think I should make pretty bright post it notes and put them around my house so I have something to re enforce the positive affirmations I just put out there.
Thank you for writing this post.
You’re welcome, and remember….Life is NOT a comparathon! Just STOP!
That’s really great advice. We could all use some extra STOPPING of these things and replacing them with more positive actions. I should probably now STOP surfing the net and start being more present and watching this movie with my husband.