Sep
22
Written by:
Constant Hine
9/22/2011 9:18 AM
In my last post I talked about how to simplify in your physical environment. Now let’s take on the challenge of how to eliminate nonessentials in your thoughts, actions and habits. This, for me, is a bit harder than working on my physical environment, but well worth the effort.
How can we simplify so what’s really necessary can come to the forefront? You can ask yourself: “What’s important? What really needs to happen? What do I have to do to let that come to the forefront?”
Here are two points for simplifying thoughts, actions and habits:
1. Keep your attention in the present moment. When we are not in the present moment, we are often in overwhelm, stress and thinking about the future. To keep your attention in the present moment, you can focus on the question: “What’s next?” Ask yourself: “What really needs my attention next, right at this time?” and focus on that.
2. Develop self control of your mind and thoughts. This is not an easy thing to do but very worth the effort. Ask yourself: “How do I be clear, concise and simple, as opposed to creating crisis, confusion and complexity?” One way, for example, when you are writing to someone, you could start or end with “my point is…” This gets you to the heart of the matter and keeps your communication simple. Another way to practice self control of the mind is to choose a focus for your day or for a project. Then during the day you can remind yourself of your focus and keep checking to make sure what you are doing is aligned with that focus.
Please watch my video (click on the this link) Simplify Eliminate Nonessentials, Part 2, where I talk about these points and explain them further.
Do you have any good tips for simplifying thoughts, actions and habits? For staying present? For self control of the mind? Share your tips in a comment. We can all learn from each other. Thanks!