Not long ago, one of my coaching clients vented some frustration to me. “Sam“ felt overwhelmed and unclear about where he should place his focus.
He acknowledged the progress that he’d made in that he was clear on the foundational steps of The Path to Your Best Life.
But he was looking at way too many goals in support of his Meaningful Mission. And as I’ve said many times, “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.”
It happens. Sometimes we need to be willing to be unclear in order to gain the clarity we desire. Forcing rarely works.
My suggestion to Sam was to get ready, but not run off in several different directions.
“Clear the decks“ was the command given on war ships to prepare for battle. Anything topsides not used for combat was removed from the decks to clear the way for fighting.
And we can benefit from the same concept. Before we take on a large project—and especially when we’re not sure of which one—we can clear the decks, clear our minds and sharpen our focus.
I reminded Sam of my acronym, SODA—Simplify, Organize, Delegate or Automate. If you do one or more of these things every day, you will make substantial progress in creating more time freedom for yourself as well as a clearer mind.
I also gave Sam a copy of Marie Kondō’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Her book has helped millions of people around the world declutter and organize their homes and work spaces. https://amzn.to/3a3WCg3
In addition, I gave him a copy of the book that last year was republished under the title of 101 Great Ideas to Simplify Your Life. I suggested he pick a handful of the many great ideas in it and begin to implement them.
https://amzn.to/3ckDAUG
Sam is a good student. He devoured both books—and set to work decluttering, organizing, simplifying and getting rid of things in his home and work environment.
Two weeks later, he told me that he wasn’t done by any means, but that he already felt more energetic, focused and clear headed. Decisions were easier, the path ahead was much clearer and he felt more peaceful. Overwhelm no longer showed up in his conversation.
Sam went on to selected two inspiring, energizing and highly profitable goals that were in support of his Meaningful Mission. One has already been accomplished.
I’m sure you can benefit from clearing the decks. If you want more clarity, higher energy, and greater focus, you will certainly benefit from the two great books mentioned above. It’s a little addicting in a positive way. Fun, too.
Is it time to clear your decks—or re-clear them?
Best Life Tenet: Action without clarity of purpose and process is pointless.
Recommended Reading
101 Great Ideas to Simplify Your Life: How to Slash Stress, Ditch the Drama & Intensify Your Tranquility
Your best life demands simplicity and clarity. And the great ideas this book offers you is a cornucopia of ways to make your life dramatically better. Implement just three or four of these ideas and you will see your life start to change in a very positive way. Incorporate a dozen and your life will be transformed.
This book is filled with proven strategies, tactics and resources to help you live a simpler, more significant and more meaningful life—in a comfortable and easier way.
