The last few months, I have been focusing on simplifying everything.
I know our world has so much noise, overload, and overwhelm.
Keeping it Simple Sweetie may sound simple, but it takes practice.
At the same time, simplicity is needed for us individually and
collectively. It is also needed for us personally and professionally.
In every nook, cranny, and crevice: we need simplicity for success.
In college, I was really simple with everything.
Do you have faith?
Want to be friends?
How may I help?
What do you feel?
Are you happy?
Hows your money?
(I worked at a credit union)
You want to play?
I find it ironic that as we are surrounded by certain environments or people, we overcomplicate vs. stopping to say how may I simplify this?
As I've transformed every aspect of my life the last seven years, I ask myself now every day:
How can I make "this" more simple!
I wanted to share some insight on what I've learned in various areas + some examples to help!
1. Spiritual
Do I believe in God? Yes!
I wanted to provide some simple guidelines to line up what you face internally + externally.
Will my action align to:
Purpose + Passion?
Faith vs. Fear?
Peace vs. Chaos?
Unity vs. Disunity?
Love vs. Hate?
Could anyone in the world relate to this? YES!
Regardless of their beliefs? YES!
Simple? YES!
2. Mental
How do you feel on a daily basis?
Peaceful or Anxious?
Excited or Scared?
In Control or Overwhelmed?
Depending on how you answered, there may be a lot on your mind that you are not facing. In addition, you may be seeking immediate responses when the circumstances took years to be created!
I highly recommend TWO practices.
a. Meditation. I listen to Oprah (21 day Free Meditations) lately.
Literally, the last sixty days.
b. Space Creator.
Here is a free tool I created to help you create space in your life.
Print it + start creating space + focus.
When you create space. It is amazing what clutter you may clear.
3. Emotional
Do you stay calm?
Do you gather facts first?
Do you seek to understand?
As I navigated (and still do) through internal conflict, I realized I learned emotional reactions from one of my parents who overreacted constantly AND another one who allowed often being treated like a doormat (two extremes).
As a result, I had to learn:
1. How to set healthy boundaries and communicate them upfront calmly.
2. Ask questions if I was confused on something vs. overreacting.
3. Seek one on time with someone first vs. overreacting in a public setting.
My recommendations:
1. Pick 1 area to work on.
2. Focus.
You will be tested over and over.
Be patient with yourself.
4. Physical
Do you put your physical well-being last?
Do you constantly say you don't have time?
Do you eat only once to twice a day?
STOP. This. Is. a. Recipe. For. Disaster.You. Will. Burnout.
1) You may be taking your health for granted.
2) You may be putting everything + everyone before you.
3) You may be running well bellow your full capacity.
Take it from someone who knows firsthand. I was once 60+ pounds overweight, and a walking time bomb. I also was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, and constantly overstressed.
If you are operating in this state, you are probably not enjoying yourself or life. Neither is anyone else. Trust me.
Start small. Start making time. Either do it willingly, or something may happen to force it.
5. Relational
Do you make time to have them?
Do you invest time to grow them?
Are you happy with your friendships?
Do you try to control them?
Are you open to new experiences?
This is a recent picture of a workcation with one of my closest friends Angela this year in Jamaica. Photo Credit: Richard Brown: Pure Fine Art in Jamaica.
I relate to all of this!
a. I used to not take time for the simple connections.
b. I used to focus only on work (which I also love - see burnout above)
c. I allowed the overwhelm, drive, and desire for more to negate connection or growth.
d. I used to not speak my truth calmly which created chaos.
Focus on one thing to grow healthier relationships as you finish out 2016 + spring into 2017.
The essence of life is connection. Succeeding with a team is much more enjoyable than alone!
6. Financial
Are you focused on instant gratification?
Are you considering long term impact?
Are you creating massive value?
Are you focusing > 90 days?
Are you learning + growing?
In the western culture, we are often focused on instant gratification and individual success.
When you flip that thinking and focus on delayed gratification and team success that is where the magic happens!
Those are the habits that have helped me create >6 figure results in my own life + the lives of numerous people + companies + growing to new levels.
The other tip is GIVE what you want freely! Here is a team picture from a recent community service event at Junior Achievement giving back to help 7th graders learn about Finances!
If you are in the Atlanta area, visit here to see how you may serve at Biz Town or Finance Park!
7. Playful
Last, but definitely not least!
Are you taking time to laugh and play?!!
This is not my first focus - I admit!
I am learning though to incorporate connection and fun into everything!
How do you leave people feeling when they deal with you?
Do you make them laugh? Do you make them happy?
Do you consider what they want? What they enjoy?
Choose to do something fun this week! I am adding dance back into my life!
This is a snapshot of some behind the scenes from our transformation retreat to Costa Rica.
Lastly, realize that transformation in life does not happen overnight.
Love yourself.
Be patient with yourself.
Take the time with yourself.
The impact and the ripple effects are endless.
You are transformation + inspirational.
Create a life + business you love.
You + your story matter.
- Katrina Julia