Make Life Simple

Make Life Simple

Do you ever get to the end of the day and wonder:

“What did I do all day?” “How did I get here?”

You’re certainly running the daily race as fast as you can. However you don’t feel productive. The important things don’t seem to get done. When enough days like this pile up, you’re convinced it’s just the way it is: you have no control.

The past few months have felt very out of control. So far, 2020 has felt like an unknown journey down an unfamiliar road. We’ve experienced many sudden twists and turns and all without the aid of a map, or GPS.

Some people have reacted to the unprecedented situation by becoming laser focused on organizing and simplifying. They pulled out their minimalist lists, watched organizers in action, and summoned their own inner Marie Kondo.

With many things shut down or cancelled, some find comfort in the simplicity of staying at home, family game nights, and back to basics schedules. This allows a feeling of some control, a few minutes to breathe, and time to finally see projects completed.

But there are others that have had to pivot hard. Suddenly they faced working from home, or home schooling, or both at the same time. And our heroic essential workers have seen the most dramatic change: completely different routines, wearing protective gear, and high exposure to the virus.

While some have laser focused, or adjusted their focus, there are those who have lost focus. They’ve stopped any forward movement, are worried, confused, and find comfort in binging food, entertainment or anything else to fill their space.

Hyper organization, over simplification, or complete stagnation, seem to be the reactions to our time, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

One skill I’m recognized for is being organized. I like to be on time, or even better, ahead of schedule. I’m prepared, responsive and informed. My coworkers compliment me on my organizational skills, but to be honest, sometimes I’m frustrated that not everyone has this basic business skill.

I understand not everyone is naturally organized. I’ve had the privilege to coach managers to help them realize the benefits of organization. I use the picture of how guardrails on a road help the driver to stay on course. Without guardrails people are easily distracted and either detour, or put themselves in park, perhaps feeling unsafe.

You can’t get to the ‘new you’ while holding on to the ‘old you’. Old habits, living life with no set plan, and fear of moving forward, has to change. You need guardrails to follow, a simple plan that will help shift you toward your dreams.

That’s what I love about Oola. It is a simple proven framework with 3 easy steps.

  1. The Oola Wheel - establish where you are

  2. The Oola Plan - know your destination, where you want to go

  3. The Oola Path - how you will get there

One tool that acts like a guardrail in the Oola Path is a 3x5 notecard.

Each evening, or first thing in the morning, make a realistic list on your card. Divide the card into two sides; the left side for things you must do that day, the right side for three steps toward one of your goals.

Commit to get the items on your card done. If you need to lock in times on tasks, to be sure they get done, add them to your calendar. It’s okay to have a plan B or C but make sure each item challenges you and leads toward your dreams.

Are you ready to add guardrails to your day and become a focused driver? To get on a path that points you to your dream destination? To take control of what you can control?

Implement the 3 Simple Steps of Oola.

When things around you get complicated, take a step back, simplify, and move ahead. Just don’t put your life in park.

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Dar Pendergrass is a Certified Oola Life Coach. You can follow her on Facebook at Grace Filled Lives or email her at gracefilledlives.coachdar@gmail.com.