Creative Katrina

Photo by dprevite on Flickr

Just as so many others have declared before this post, I’m going to affirm yet again that we live in a busy world that is face-paced and dense with information overload. And yes, I’m well aware that I’m stating the obvious.

But as the world continues to whiz on by and change at hyper-speed, we form habits to deal with all the “noise.” Some of us need a routine to help keep us on track, others just become complacent in the barrage of input, and choose to hollow out a niche where we feel comfortable. Although it feels safe, it can also keep us from challenging ourselves and growing personally and professionally.

When you really think about it, what is the difference between showing up in a consistent way, and becoming complacent by ALWAYS showing up in the same way? Hmmm…

Bring it to the Mat, Baby

I took a new yoga class this week (yay for me!), and I was inspired by the instructor’s perspective on consistency. It turned out to be a fast-paced, more aerobic-type yoga class, and she needed to school us class newbies on one thing – to be consistent in our breath and effort. She guided us to show up for every pose with the same energy, persistence and determination, whether it was our favorite pose or something we felt was simply impossible to manage. As we flung our arms and legs about with an increasing intensity in the second half of class, she continued to bring us back to that same simple point – are you ready and willing to show up with the same care and intensity for the next pose?

The instructor’s simple insight reminded me of how people often forget the act of consistency in their daily lives. By doing your best to show up in a strong, positive way even when things are hardest, is what builds character and inspires growth in all areas of life.

The only difference is that in yoga it’s only you and the mat – so there IS no where else to go but within and show up for yourself. It strips away the ability to point the finger or make excuses, or distract yourself from showing up truthfully, facades stripped away.
 
When Comfy Equals Consistency

Now on the flip side, there are many people who get into a consistent routine and let it take over for months on end. This set way of doing things does not inspire them to grow and they cling to the routine to feel good, as fear of change creeps in along the sides of their life. Soon they do nothing but focus on the routine, because changing the game at this point feels too risky. If this all sounds familiar, it may mean you’ve entered the “comfy trap.”

When things feel too safe and predictable, it may be time to reevaluate. Are you really happy? Is there something missing from your life that could make you happier? Are you just afraid to rock the boat and try something new? It happens to us all – we get in a rut for any number of reasons. We make excuses to ourselves and for ourselves as to why action is not right at this time, but being aware is the first step to shifting it.

Now don’t confuse being comfy or stuck with creating a routine. A routine is a helpful tool to keep you on track and make sure there are important core, self-care things in your life to keep you grounded and feeling mentally clear. Routines are also good for things you NEED to do, but don’t particularly enjoy, because it provides a way for you to mentally commit to getting them done with consistency.

At the end of the day, you are only really accountable for yourself and to yourself. Unless, of course, you have children. In that case you need to feed and water them – oh wait…that’s plants! But you get the idea.

You can’t fight the inevitable, and change is really the only constant you can count on. Show up to your own “yoga mat” ready to take on what you can, confident you are willing to give all aspects of your life the same energy, space and awareness.

Photo credit: Lucy_Hill on Flickr

Most of the time when you run into people and ask how they’re doing, they answer in one of two ways: “fine, how are you?” or “I’m swamped; I have so much to do!”

Today we are going to talk about the “I’m perpetually busy” response and what it really means.

Look, we all get busy. I get it. Life flows as it does and constant preparing to control every aspect of it is not living, its existing. So, how do you manage the life in front of you before you become entangled in a game of constant catch-up? Breathe. Sit down. Release your mobile device or brownie. Then review your routines. Honestly.

Must-Have Basics and Outdated Routines

Basic tasks such as brushing your teeth, showering, eating, managing work and home, spending time with loved ones and fitting in exercise can get overwhelming at times. But, what are your routines around these things? Are you dragging yourself through every last one? Are you feeling energized? Do you always feel you’re running out of time? (Please keep in mind that I say this as a procrastinator at heart.)

What you may not notice readily, is that your lack of ability to commit to the routines you create is the same as not knowing yourself well enough to create the kind of supportive lifestyle you need. Bet you never thought of it that way.

Plug and Play vs. Customize

A lot of people want a formula to plug and play. That approach can work with doing laundry, paying bills and other no-thought tasks, but how you choose to put together your routine is what will make or break your enjoyment of life. Its the real difference between surviving and thriving.

For example, I’m not a morning person. Never have been. When I get out of bed earlier than 7, 7:30 I am “off” the rest of the day. This includes waking up on my own or if the alarm blasts my butt into reality. So, instead of forcing myself and my heavy limbs to early morning meetings or to hack out morning pages ala The Artist’s Way I just don’t do it – at that time of the day.

Know Thyself; Create a Natural Routine that Works

Knowing your body’s natural rhythms and how to mesh that with all you need to do can be a challenge, but its doable. And before you tell me its not easy to do with kids, I totally get it. My sister tells me that all the time. Its also glaringly obvious that she doesn’t take simple steps to make things easier for herself, either. They are your children, not your dictators. Set the example for them to follow. Of course there are exceptions, but noting you need to be flexible as a parent is like preaching to the choir.

We all get trapped in routines – doing, thinking and connecting in a similar way all the time. Soon we realize we don’t feel as fulfilled as we once were, or would like to be. Well, nothing changes if you continue to set yourself up for failure. Reevaluate and switch up routines to create a more user-friendly lifestyle that supports how your life is NOW. Then watch the grace of life show up to support you.

I also implore you to drop the attachment to “busy = important” story. You don’t have to prove anything, but it IS important to know what works for you today and your evolved life. Even if you don’t think you show up that way, its still worth a review.

Getting a handle on creating a life that supports you in busy and slow times is an art form in and of itself, but I know you can do it. Just start somewhere!