Felicia's Blog: Making Space to Practice What I Preach

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Felicia's Blog: Making Space to Practice What I Preach

Making Space to Practice What I Preach

I am a huge proponent of getting focused, determining your goals, and then taking the appropriate actions to make those goals go from being just an idea into the living, breathing vision of what I originally imagined. I feel these steps are really the critical basic steps one must take in order to accomplish anything of any significance. As such, I share them over and over again with my students and clients.

So...what about me? Do I follow my own words of wisdom? In short, yes and no.

First, how and when do I not follow this advice? When I take on too much. When I live and breathe in the extremes. When I am feeling discouraged or down. Each of these issues keeps me from taking the time to "just be" - to clear my mind and have the space to conceive of the goal and actions - and the mental energy to focus my attention on anything for more than a few minutes.

Second, how and when can I be better about following this advice? For me, there are a few key elements to making sure I have the time, ability and clarity of mind to follow through on these crucial elements of success. Essentially they involve doing what is IMPORTANT before doing what is URGENT. Some examples:

Eating food that nourishes me when needed throughout the day
Getting enough rest AND sleep (these can actually be different from each other)
Exercising and stretching at least 4-5 times a week
Avoiding substances that deplete or irritate me (caffeine, overuse of sugar, starch, alcohol or junkie/friend foods)
Laughing and being entertained
Time with good supportive friends
Getting massage and other healing work to restore my body, mind and spirit
Making space in my life and mind for new ideas to come forth, take root and "become" real

After many, many weeks of tight schedules, multiple deadlines, travel and classes, I am starting to feel that space open up. New ideas are coming forth as is the energy to take them somewhere. And once again I am reminded of the importance to get focused on creating the space, have GOALS for what goes on in the space, and to take regular ACTIONS to create both more space and more possibilities while I am in the space.

All of this to say, especially to you busy entrepreneurs and business owners because you too need to take care what is IMPORTANT and to make SPACE in order to move your business ahead.

Start by taking 5 minutes right now to close your eyes and breathe. Let go of your worries and thoughts - just breathe. Allow yourself to imagine what the infinite possibilities for your day and life could be if you only had the time and energy. If you knew you could accomplish what you really wanted, what would you let go of today in order to make that happen. How would you nourish yourself to make that vision a reality?

Then, commit to giving yourself just 5 minutes a day - 5 minutes of space - to nourish yourself, rest your mind or body, and allow your creativity and energy to begin to flow again.