by Susan Liddy

We've heard it and we've said it over and over... life is hard! Today's world offers so many options and opportunities. We want to do and be our very best, in all areas, all of the time.

We get good jobs, and we work hard and long hours. Many of us juggle full-time careers with parenting... and nearly everyone feels the need to fill our lives with countless people, activities, things and experiences!

Where do our precious minutes slip away to?

Do we lose them while shopping for and preparing healthy meals for ourselves and/or our families?

Do we burn them off on the treadmill at the gym three nights a week?

Maybe we vacuum, mow, prune and scrub them away while caring for our homes and yards...

Is it me, or does it seem like there's always another meeting to sit through, party to attend, gift to buy, trip to make, or vacation to book?

Time is flying... but are we having fun? The American Institute of Stress says no. They estimate that 75 percent to 90 percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related problems.

Because of this, more and more people are seeking simplicity - that thing that we all feel like we're missing and want to get back. Instead of clutter and chaos, we want a flow to life where we can feel on top of things, rested and satisfied. Our "solution" is to try and get it all done now so we can rest or have fun later. But "later" never seems to come!

Do you beat yourself up to do more? Do you feel stressed that you're constantly falling behind?

Please don't do this to yourself! It's so unhealthy.

When you overbook, you actually get LESS done than if you had undertaken a more modest amount of responsibility. That's because in trying to do too much, your energy depletes to the point that you incapacitate yourself. Pretty soon, you're so fraught with fatigue and frustration that you're slipping up on things you're typically great at - and it's a result of exhaustion and overwhelm. Before you know it, it's another day, with more of the same... the never ending story of your stressed-out life!

Less Really IS More.

Instead of racing around to catch up, stop and take a breath. Recognize that you simply can't do it all. Acknowledge that when it comes to feeling good, getting things done, and living richly... less really is more!

Once you realize this, you'll probably be wondering just how you can create less from the piles of "more" that you've accumulated over the years. The secret is learning how to trim away the excess. Rid yourself of that which doesn't serve you or help you move closer to your goals and aspirations. Here are some tips to help you get started on "closet cleaning" your life from top to bottom:

Identify what is important to you. What are your values? What do you believe in, and wish to live in support of, through your actions and words, each and every day? The key is to identify what it is that you hold in highest regard, so that you may actively bring these things into your life, instead of the things that you don't want or need.

Use your values to guide your choices. Each time you're faced with a new decision, ask yourself whether the outcome of that action is in support of your beliefs and wishes. If it's not... toss it! Then, take what's left, and create a foundation for living that echoes your greatest desires, and ripples outward into every facet of your life.

Step away from expectation and judgment. Then, step into intentionally living your values each day. Many of my life coaching clients express their desire to welcome things like patience, joy, spirituality and connection into their lives. In order to embrace these positive virtues, we must learn to let go of the negative thoughts, words and actions that hold us captive! Learn to love yourself first, and you will then be in a place to share that love with others.

Reality Check

• How are you making your life harder than it needs to be?
• What expectations are running your life?
• What thoughts run through your mind as you go through your day?
• What do you focus on and what results are you getting?

Fearless Challenge

1. Log your activities for a week.
2. Review your list.
3. Where are the values mismatches? These items must go immediately.
4. Prioritize what's left and focus on doing just a few things at a time until you feel caught up.
5. If you need support organizing your life, consider hiring a life coach or joining a support group.
6. Acknowledging your progress is really important so end each day with self praise and encouragement.

About the Author:

Susan Liddy, MA, PCC, CPCC is the founder of AspireLifeCoaching.org, a women's coaching organization whose mission is to empower women to aspire fearlessly. Susan's unique and groundbreaking life coaching programs teach women how to break through the fear and disempowerment that block them from who they are and accomplishing their goals.

To learn more about Susan Liddy and AspireLifeCoaching.org visit AspireLifeCoaching.org or call (408) 835-9908.

©2008 Susan Liddy, AspireLifeCoaching.org, All rights reserved.

Get notified once a month about our newest Women's Resource Center articles, FABulous fifty lists, Recommended Reading and more. Subscribe to our complimentary eNewsletter.