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"You have taught me to believe in myself and to take things slowly, one step at a time, keep sight of my goals, both short term and long term.

Your coaching style was both nuturing and motivating, you seemed to intuitively know some days what I needed most. Your caring and understanding was so appreciated and it came from the heart."

-Holly C.

I would recommend the Simplicity Course as an easy, practical way to start simplifying one's life. I especially liked the segments on Tolerations, Wardrobe, and Office and Paperwork.

Each day focuses on only one task, which is helpful to people who feel overwhelmed by the complexities of modern life and hardly know where to begin downshifting.

-Joan, New York

Beth has an uncanny way of, "reading between the lines" to see a person's heart. I appreciate how genuine she is.

I have already begun implementing her suggestions, and am dumbstruck at how well they are working. I am feeling so much more secure, and feel I am finally put onto a life path that will bring me joy for many years to come."

-Sue Halpern

I feel more focused and have an objective instead of aimlessly filling up the day.

-Shelli Segura

 

 

52 Tiny Changes

You've done it before. Tried to change your whole life in 30 days. Only to fizzle out at day 10 because it take too much time. Join me in making a small change each week and by the end of the year you will have made 52 improvements to your life!

52changes@encouragingcoach.com with 52 changes in the subject line. Or come here each week for a new change and some steps to help you along the way.

Tiny Change #30. Resign from one committee, volunteer post, or duty you don't really like

How we spend our time is how we spend our life. We need to take responsibility for our time and our choices. I remember complaining to my husband a few years back about how overextended I was. I told him all the things I had to do & where I had to take the kids. Expecting some sympathy I was rather annoyed when he calmly looked at me saying, 'Well you're the one that signed up for everything.' At the time I thought that was rather harsh. But the next day I looked at my schedule & thought about what he said.

No one forced me to sign up the kids for swimming lessons during my lunch time at work. I did it to please the kids and to win some Mommy sacrifice award. Fearing someone might not like me I said yes to the school's fun night though it didn't sound fun at all. I was so impressed to be thought of as director for an event that I said I'd love to. Only later did I realize about 5 people turned the position down knowing the time commitment. All over the calendar were appointments made for all the wrong reasons. I started by letting go of one commitment - for my sanity.

I've since learned to never commit until I think about it, pray about it & look at my schedule. "I'll get back to you on that." I want to commit for the right reasons - love of the job, generousity, love.

Look over your schedule. Are you overwhelmed & overcommitted? Look at your reasons for scheduling these. Were not able to say no because of some people pleasing or wanting to be thought of as supermom? What on your schedule is not in your top 5 priorities? Which are your best activities out of the midst of good activities?

You have a purpose. You have gifts and talents that you were given to make use of. If you are doing activities that don't best meet your abilities or your passions, maybe they aren't yours to be doing. Do less so you are able to give your best.

What one commitment are you able to admit you made for the wrong reasons? Now find a way to bow out gracefully. "When I made this commitment, I didn't realize what else I had on my plate. I don't want to do a diservice for this project. I'm going to have to quit this committe."

Now before you say yes to another project, evaluate your reasons and current commitments.

 

Resources

How to Say No
Time Management for Parents
The Art of Bowing Out Gracefully
Overscheduling Kids

 

What are you going to resign from or quit doing?

 

52 Tiny Changes Archive

 

Links
PO Box 233 Zeeland MI 49464 Beth Dargis