What do you need to check off your list?
Article by Sandra Martini
“Whatever brings you down, get rid of it.
Because you’ll find that when you’re
free, your true creativity, your
true self comes out.”
— Tina Turner
I first heard this quote years ago and when I saw it again recently while reading a friend’s blog, I knew it was time to write this article. It wasn’t long ago when a friend asked me what I was tolerating in my life.
Tolerating? Me? I have a husband I adore and who adores me, 6 fabulous pets, a house we’re comfortable in, supportive friends and family and a business which fulfills me while allowing me to help others. What could I possibly be tolerating?
You see, I was working on a project that I just couldn’t get my hands around and I couldn’t figure out why. I was enthused about the project, just blocked somehow.
So I sat down with pen and paper to make a list of everything I was tolerating (although that seemed like a strong word to me). In 15 minutes, I had over 100 items.
I was shocked. Even more shocking, once I made a list (I hadn’t even done anything with it yet), my creative juices started flowing again. It was as if a dam was somehow let loose inside and I could tackle anything. :-)
To show you that my list was not earth shattering by any means, here are a few of the items that I wrote:
=> curtain rods needed fixing in master bedroom
=> deck needed repainting
=> administrative desk in office was unorganized
=> pictures still to be hung in laundry room
=> pantry had outgrown itself
=> catch up with friends who I had lost touch with
=> light bulb in office task light was wrong brightness
=> 401k plan not yet transferred to new financial planner
=> spend less time with someone who was “glass half empty”
=> car CD player needed fixing
=> when was last time I painted (something I love to do)
My list was made up of over 90 more items like this.
Individually, the items were simple, easy-to-do and, quite honestly, I didn’t even realize that some of them were bothering me. All together, however, they represented a vat of unconscious negativity that assaulted me everywhere I turned.
I had no idea what the sum total of all these little nagging things meant to my subconscious. But now, well now they were on *THE LIST*. And being on *THE LIST* meant they could be dealt with.
And so I dealt with them: some were done by me, some were on my “honey do” list and others were delegated or hired out. And as each thing was crossed off the list, my creativity and happiness increased exponentially.
I thought I had loved my home and my business BEFORE, but now, well now I was on a whole different playing field. And, because nature abhors a vacuum, I began attracting all types of positive things: my coaching practice filled up, my products were selling better than ever and I was invited to co-author a book.
So as my creativity and happiness soared, so did my bank account!
Your Coaching Challenge
I challenge you to take 15 minutes and make a list of everything YOU’RE tolerating.
Not sure or don’t think you have anything, take a walk around your home and jot things down as you see them. Next time the phone rings, do you joyfully pick it up or do you cringe when you see who it is?
Everything, and I mean *everything* that does not bring you joy needs to go on your list! It doesn’t mean you have to tackle it all at once, but at least you’ll have a list to start from when you’re ready. And I’m willing to bet that some of the items on your list will take less than 10 minutes and cost you nothing!
Go forth and claim the life you dream of and deserve!
The Get Control of Your Business Now! ™ Coach, Sandra Martini teaches small business owners how to create more success in their business while enjoying more freedom from their business. Sandra’s coaching programs are available via teleconferencing, emails and telephone calls. For more information and to receive the FREE special report, “7 Wealth-Building Secrets of Successful Entrepreneurs,” go to http://www.SandraMartini.com
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So true. All these small frustrations are first-world problems when you think of it, but they do add up and annoy you. I forgot who first coined it, but I once read the rule “if it takes you just two minutes, do it straight away”. This helps me to fix the minor annoying issues, like cleaning bird poo off a window – I can spend 6 weeks looking at it and feeling frustrated, or two minutes wiping it off with a sponge!
There are, of course, also more time-consuming items on the list, but it’s a good start to regain control over what’s been bothering you.
Good luck on your list :)
What a great idea! I don’t think that people realize just how these things that we tolerate can get us down. If you have listed 100 items and attend to them one per day, you will get through the challenge. Bite size chunks. Great post thanks for sharing.
Yes, subliminally we’re affected by positivity as well as negativity. On an unconscious level those things were annoying you, there was discomfort, kinda like a pebble, not a big rock. You listened to your higher self and achieved amazing results. I’m always open to new ideas that will help me to perfect my potential. I’m going to add this test to my tool kit for a successful life.
Thanks for sharing the Tolerance Test.
Awesome advice! thank you I will definitely do this and I am going to get my husband and children to do the same :)
I think it will be a great exercise to do as a family.
It is very important to be creative and happy in terms of our business.. These boosters can be a help.. Thanks!
Clever idea Sandra. My wife often gets a bee in her bonnet and then has a spate of getting rid of things that she has been tolerating. I think making a list is a great idea as you can measure the results.
Oooh, what a challenge to spot and list everything I’m tolerating. But it is an important task, especially because of the little things. They are the ones that nag at you and erode self-confidence.
Thanks for sharing this.