I smiled as I read Trip Advisor’s article on ‘Travellers’ Top Tips to Pack Smart’. Every one of these ideas could be considered as a metaphor for preparing ourselves for an optimal journey through the next phase of our lives, whether we are referring to next year or the rest of our lives.
How might this apply to our lives?
Many of us have lives that are far too cluttered and are carrying excess baggage whether physically or emotionally. These weigh us down and deplete our energy. How do we trim down, keep just what is useful and helping us to lead better lives? And how do we carefully choose those new aspects that are fun and create adventure? Our cups soon start to overflow if we just keep adding. The new items spill out over the top. The process involves firstly clearing out excess. Then create space by stopping certain activities while being cognisant of continuing what is important and serving a purpose.
This tip also implies having spare resources to spend. As the facilitator of personal strategy, I find that when we talk of resources, individuals tend to think primarily in terms of financial resources. I assign an exercise which involves carefully considering various resources such as knowledge and access to information, skills, qualifications, personal branding, the use of personal attributes (character strengths, values, touchstones etc.), executive coaching, energy, people, networks and relationships, time, technology, transport, accommodation and many more resources.
I believe there is a parallel between the way we build, store and use the resources at our disposal and the way we can consciously build, store and use our energy in the best possible way.
How might this apply to our lives?
Not only is life moving at an accelerated pace but we are bombarded by more and more stimuli. This means that we need to take active steps to filter out what is not necessary at that time. How can we be mindful, focussed and living in the moment if we are distracted and overwhelmed by all that is going on around us? How do we selectively eliminate or reduce the effect of certain stimuli which may be unnecessary or negative at that time? We need rest so a metaphorical sleepmask could be very helpful in enabling us to filter out interfering stimuli relating to sight. The earmuffs could help us avoid hearing harassment and unnecessary sounds which are intruding on our presence.
The sleep mask and earplugs are useful in keeping out influences and stimuli which have a negative influence on our current ‘way of being’.
How might this apply to our lives?
Think of a suitcase as being the metaphor for the container of our lives.
We need to use our resources effectively and efficiently. To me, space is a resource and without space we can’t recognise or optimise opportunities.
But our lives are usually already very full. So how can we be more effective in packaging whatever we are fitting into our lives? How do we use least time and energy yet enhance the experience of whatever we do? How do we experiment in for example rolling rather than folding. How do we use disruption to our advantage? In my coaching programmes we introduce practices helping clients create space so that they can reflect productively or plan the future.
So what I’m saying here is ‘yes, we do need to fill up the gaps’ (like those when packing shoes) in a meaningful way. However, that will help to create space that we can use for productive purposes.
How might this apply to our lives?
We need to be more selective and discover items that have multiplicity of purpose. This again often requires a disruption to the way we have always unconsciously done things. How can we explore new ways of performing even the most mundane processes in our lives? In which ways can we find new uses for our existing items? For example, if I go to gym very early in the mornings, I am more likely to be able to watch sunrise on the way, take my dogs with me (they stay in the car so I can’t take them when it is too hot) and have my exercise completed before I start my workday. So there are many benefits.
How might this apply to our lives?
Often we feel overwhelmed because there is so much we need to do. Clustering similar activities or items could help us to feel more organised. Creating boundaries around them is also an important aspect of feeling ‘in control’. Some of us are better at doing this than others. What is within those boundaries is as important as what is not within, what is outside. We also need to make sure that the container is the right size and shape. And once we have become good at establishing those boundaries, how do we transfer that skill to other aspects of our lives?
How might this apply to our lives?
In order to focus on what is important on life’s journey or even parts of it, we need to remain focussed on what is important to us. It is easy to be distracted, especially when we are out of routine, in a strange place or embarking on a new journey.
Too often we are lulled into acceptance instead of choosing what is best for us. It is right for the masses, it isn’t necessarily right for us. Being pro-active and considering our options enables us to be more in tune with our own ‘way of being’.
How might this apply to our lives?
We spend our lives packing and unpacking. And it is good that we do that. However, reflecting on our actions helps us to create meaning. Through unpacking the experience and reflecting on it we can extract the essence, a simple lesson. And then we need to ask ourselves: How can I use this lesson in other fields in my life? What action should I take?
How might this apply to our lives?
The old adage, ‘sharing is caring’ applies in many aspects of our lives. Teamwork is important in so many areas. And here we can be referring to our partners, families or immediately team (both in our private or business lives). Or we could apply this to our broader network of relationships. We often forget the value of what others can add through sharing our space.
How might this apply to our lives?
In life we need energy for so many of our heart, head, spiritual, networking and other functions. Without it, action might be impeded. Connection to others gives us access to information, and assistance. This support enables us to use our own energy wisely.
How might this apply to our lives?
Stopping to record enables us to collect our thoughts and make the best possible use of information. Taking a photograph enables us to capture the moment and has great significance. In coaching programmes, where relevant, I often weave in a practice of daily pausing to take a photograph.
Use this tips in order to prepare yourself for a more successful life’s journey and you will flourish.
For more information on executive coaching, keynote speaking or training you are welcome to contact me - Phone: +27 33 3425432, Mobile: + 27 82 4993311, e-mail: brenda@146.66.90.172
Karen says
Dear Brenda A few minutes ago, I completed a “practice run” using the items of clothing that I intend to take with me on our imminent trip to the UK and Europe. I wanted to see whether or not I could abide by the 23 kg limit. I felt so delighted when I weighed my bag and discovered that I was 3 kg within the limit. Just before putting my laptop away for the night, I decided to read this blog. What perfect timing! Not only was it full of useful tips, but, through the clever use of metaphors, you created an opportunity for me to reflect on my way of being and my way of doing. It is so heartwarming to spend a few moments continuing to learn and grow. Thank you for brightening up our lives with such innovative sources of inspiration.
Jackie says
So loved this article!
For years now I have taken to an “afternoon nap” 🙂
For this time I set my iphone funtion to “do not disturb” [from anyone!] Interestingly and over time my “nearest-and-dearest” came to accept that for this time I was “unavailable” and even more interestingly they came to accept this … And in all this time (going on over 10 years) I have never “missed a call”that could not have “waited until later”!
With recent changes to my parents health and other changes in my life, there have been and are certain calls that “I could not afford to miss”, but I have since learnt that there is a function on my I-phone where I can activate the “no not disturb” function : except for calls from my selected “favorites-list”
So now I can “rest in peace” … while at the same time “knowing that if my nearest & dearest & important calls that need to reach me” : their call will come through to me … For the rest : they can wait, And believe me when I tell you that there has never been a call to me (apart from my “favorite settings”) that could not have “waited” until another time.
I totally & completely agree with your article: there are times when we so need to do what is right for each of us as individuals: as for the rest : it really could have waited for another time X