Stop Overwhelming Yourself — Ask "Why?" First
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When I Experiment Freely in my studio I always feel inspired and find that fresh insights emerge.
I was speaking to a colleague last week. When I commented on all that was on my to-do list, and my efforts to trim it down, she gave me a great gift.
Her amazing suggestion was to add a simple question after each entry:
Why?
Not only has this small tip helped me get clear on the most meaningful things to attend to on my list — and things to defer, drop or delegate — it reminded me to pay attention to the "WHY" related to everything in my life.
The most powerful question you can ask
Most of us focus on “what” to do.
We’re often overwhelmed by long lists of things that have to get done, things we feel obligated to do, things we offered to do to please someone, and a few things (usually at the end of the list) we want to do for pleasure.
We also think a lot about “how” to do things.
This focus typically leads to one of two paths — letting go of meaningful things because we do not already know how to do them, or going down rabbit-holes of research and how-to’s.
I invite you to start with “WHY?” instead.
And make it a practice to ask “Why?” regularly — for the smallest of matters in your day, not just the big initiatives that Simon Sinek spoke about in his famous TED Talk.
Because when you skip past the “Why?” there’s a high probability that you will get mired in efforts that are not squarely in the zone of what is most important — for you.
Meaningful clarity is likely to emerge
Adding the “Why?” to items on my to-do list has been enormously helpful for me.
Because I always have ideas, and I get excited by them!
And, I know (from years of overwhelming myself) that if I pursue too many of those interesting ideas, I’ll be swamped, exhausted, and far from living the spacious life I yearn for.
Asking “Why?” has helped me to clarify the most important things for me now, and release things that are not aligned.
I am focusing my time, energy and attention on:
Coaching great women who want to move past what’s in the way for them and powerfully create their best lives;
Speaking to great audiences of women leaders to help them ignite their creative power, and understand how that power can be ignited to change cultures and improve results in their organizations;
Leading great retreats for women to have experiences that are deeply inspiring and truly life-changing;
Creating to express what is in my heart — painting every day and writing from my deep voice;
Sustaining a daily practice to stay strong and healthy.
What will your “why’s” bring to light?
This process can be fun. It is easy to do. And what happens can make a significant difference — today and for your future.
If you choose to start with “Why?” and it sharpens your clarity, I would be delighted for you to share what shows up for you.
Email me, or we can hop on a call.
