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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 # 37: Plan to leave 10 minutes early for all your appointments

I looked at the clock that morning as I was getting ready for work. I had more time than I thought. I could quick put a load in the wash. By the time I got back up the stairs I had not quite enough time to get ready for work. I ate a granola bar while putting on mascara and lipstick. Forget the eyeshadow, no time! I felt my damp hair and grabbed a hair clip. It was my “no time to blow-dry” hairstyle. When was the last time I wore my hair down?

I forgot I didn’t pack my lunch and checked the kids’ lunches while I was in the kitchen. “No, you can’t have cookies and a donut, but no fruit.” I threw a Lean Cuisine in my lunch bag, knowing I would probably be hungry by 3:00. Now to find my phone, purse, Palm Pilot, keys and remember to take my lunch. I looked at my watch. I should have left ten minutes ago.

After work, I am late for the doctor. Traffic was busier than I expected. I am getting agitated trying to get through traffic. The receptionist said she was wondering where I was. She thought I forgot my appointment and they went on to the next patient. By the time I got out of the doctor’s, the kids were outside the school tapping their feet. They made little glares at me- You are late again! I had a tendency to make one last phone call or do one last assignment before rushing to pick up the kids. If I hit traffic, or trains, or forgot something inside I would not make it in time.

Lying in bed that night I tried to figure out what had happened. I thought I had planned my day well. Practically down to the minute. Maybe that was it. Not enough extra minutes. Ten minutes was all I would need. If I had planned on leaving for work ten minutes earlier I wouldn’t have put the extra load of laundry in. I would have been on time with blow-dried hair, eyeshadow and a good lunch.

On days when my morning routine goes smoothly I would use that extra ten peaceful minutes to get my workday organized at the office. If I had left for the doctor’s ten minutes earlier I would have no problem with surprise traffic.

Plus, I wouldn’t have been late to pick up the kids. If I start clearing off my desk ten minutes earlier instead of making last minute phone calls, I would be on time to pick up the kids almost every day.

So I instituted my ten-minute rule. If I plan to leave at a certain time I move that time up by ten minutes. I haven’t been late to work or to pick up the kids in months. I try to make appointments ten minutes later than I think I can be there. Life seems to run smoother and I am less frazzled. That morning load of wash can always be done at night.

Resources
An interview with a Productivity Expert
Getting To Work On Time

What time do you have to leave to get there on time?

 

52 Tiny Changes Archive

 

 

Links
PO Box 233 Zeeland MI 49464 Beth Dargis