I will be the first to admit – I am not good at meditating. Quieting my mind in general is a big challenge for me, but something I am actively working on. I do, however, believe in the value of meditation. I believe it’s definitely something that takes a lot of discipline. So, while doing it for 10 minutes today might not bring a world of improvements to your life, perhaps 10 minutes a day every day will, don’t you think?
I’ve heard it said that it takes 21 days for a habit to stick. Whether that exact number of days is right on the money or not, the idea is that you can’t reasonably expect something new to stick on day one. It takes practice and dedication – yes, sometimes forcing yourself to do it – until it just becomes something you do without thinking about it. Example: me turning on the morning news and booting up my computer as soon as I get out of bed. I don’t think about it – I just do it.
If meditation isn’t for you, trying reading something that will motivate or inspire you. I’m good at that one. One book I like is called Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much. Yeah, that’s me. Each daily entry has a quote, a paragraph or two on the focus for the day, and a positive affirmation at the bottom. I also like to read interesting blogs, like the one Jonathan Mead maintains. Just generally speaking, I like to read things that spark my creativity or lift my spirits. Sometimes, it’s just a funny or thought provoking quote that pops up on the top of my Gmail screen. All of it helps me.
Find what inspires or motivates you. Find what helps you get through the day. Make it part of your daily routine.
Day One: Consider: What kind of clutter do you have in your life?
Day Two: Clear the walkways in your home or office.
Day Three: Clear the clutter off your dining/kitchen table or nightstand.
Day Four: Get rid of old invitations, cards, address books…
Day Five: Clean out your fridge (and freezer).
Day 6: Get rid of old periodicals.
[...] Day 7: Meditate or read something inspirational. [...]