Each Day is a Journey, So Bring What You Need

Giving yourself what you need is probably the most powerful productivity tool there is. 

A core self-care skill. it makes everything possible. And yet for lots of us, this is something that constantly falls to the bottom of the list.

So, I think this helps you see how important this skill is:

Think of each and every day as a journey. And if it helps, picture another city or country as you think about the coming day. Imagine you’re setting off for Dublin or San Francisco — or whatever destination captures your interest. This way of concretely visualizing your journey emphasizes how important it is to pack wisely.

Bring what you need…

Would you hop on the plane empty-handed?  (I am guessing probably not.)

In fact, I imagine you would have made a list of things that you knew you’d need.  You’d have assembled them, along with some items that you ‘might’ want.  And in order to gather what you need, you’d have thought about what you’d be doing, where you’d be going, and also (based on your self-knowledge) the things that would help keep you comfortable along the way.

So, plan what you need for your day…

That same process offers a realistic and helpful frame for scanning and planning your day.

You might try doing this in the evening or morning, either before bed or with your breakfast or first cup of coffee.  Think about what you’ll be doing and what you need to be as productive and present as possible in each moment.

I suggest that, for starters, you write down one of the things that you know you’ll need, and plan to give it to yourself.  Then, at the end of the day, check in with yourself and see whether you actually did it.  This will begin to build your self-awareness, and as you follow-through, it also builds your self-trust.

And prepare to be surprised…

If you think about it, each day truly is a journey.  The familiarity of our routines can sometimes mask or mute the adventure.  You may not be heading off to Paris or Montreal or San Francisco this morning, but you most definitely are heading off on the unique and precious adventure that is your new day. 

What will this new day bring?

And when you boil it down to the basics, what you need is often very portable and very simple. Affirmations and positive self-talk, for example, will smooth any path and open you to whatever your day holds. When you travel light, you can be agile and responsive as your day evolves.

So, bring what you need and take care of yourself along the way.

Here’s something to help with your self-talk…

We all have voices that chatter at us throughout the day. The Inner Critic is one of them. Learning to recognize (and counter) this destructive voice is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

You see, the Inner Critic is a negative, debilitating and constant presence in your life.  And it’s not just the words. It’s the judgmental tone, the rolling eyes, and the scolding wag of the index finger.

Beyond sapping your energy and confidence, your Inner Critic robs you of time and profoundly distorts how you see others and how you feel about yourself. So, what can you do? 

Give yourself a big boost with my Exercise and Guide Book titled “These Critical Voices Are Driving Me Crazy!” How to Use Positive Self-Talk to Save Your Sanity and Your Time! This book, part of my popular Voices Package, offers simple, practical exercises, checklists and tips for learning to recognize and counter the critical voices that disrupt and hurt you.

“This guidebook is by a secret genius as far as I’m concerned.
Her name is Paula Eder and she is absolutely brilliant
when it comes to how to be in relationship with self and
how to be in relationship with time.”
Heather Dominick http://BusinessMiracles.com/

You hold the power to make conscious choices about the kinds of messages you give yourself. As you exercise this power, you’ll develop new clarity and confidence – and transform your time.

Part of our popular Voices Package, “These Critical Voices Are Driving Me Crazy!” opens the door and gives you a roadmap, so don’t wait. Click this link to get started on your empowering journey today.