Hey there, amazing souls!
Have you ever noticed how some of the most profound moments of growth happen when we question, seek, and wonder? This week’s question for our Ask Susan Transformational Moment comes in from Ariel, a member of our congruent Living community.
Ariel’s question beautifully captures a sentiment many of us share right now. Ariel asks, ‘Susan, why do I feel so distracted by world news and the holidays coming up? It feels like I’ve got too much on my plate, I’m feeling stressed, and I can’t seem to focus on just one thing.’
Ariel, thank you for sharing your question; it resonates with many, and today, we’ll explore how living in the question holds transformative power even in the midst of distractions.
Today, I will guide you through five powerful questions that can transform your focus and give you an exercise for each one that will help you break free from the shackles of distraction. Let’s embark on this journey together!
The Power of Prioritization:
Question 1: What is the number one thing that, if you started doing it, would have the biggest positive impact on your life? Let’s unravel the importance of prioritizing and avoiding the trap of multitasking. Remember, less is often more when it comes to focus.
Exercise: Take out a piece of paper and list three major tasks or projects you’re currently working on. Now, identify the one task that, if completed, would have the most significant positive impact on your life. Commit to focusing on this task for a set amount of time each day, avoiding the urge to multitask. Now’s the time to embrace the power of single-tasking to enhance your focus and productivity.
Embracing Imperfection:
Question 2: What is ‘good enough’? Letting go of perfectionism and embracing the idea of ‘good enough’ is a powerful mindset. It’s about challenging ourselves without the burden of unrealistic expectations. Ever heard the expression Better done than none?
Exercise: Think about a project or task you’ve procrastinated on due to the desire for perfection. Set a timer for 20 minutes and start working on it without the pressure of achieving perfection. Embrace the concept of ‘good enough’ during this time. Afterward, reflect on your progress and acknowledge the freedom that comes with releasing the need for perfection.
Uncovering Motivation:
Question 3: What do you really want, and how might you be stopping yourself from getting that? Dive deep into understanding your motivations and overcoming internal barriers.
Ariel recently asked, ‘Why am I so distracted lately?’ This question is for you, Ariel. Motivation plays a key role in sustaining focus throughout a project, and exploring distractions can unveil underlying reasons.
Exercise: Create a ‘Distraction Diary.’ For one week, whenever you find yourself distracted, jot down the activity or thought that pulled your focus away. At the end of the week, review your diary to identify patterns. Are certain distractions linked to specific tasks or emotions? This exercise can help you uncover the motivations behind distractions and develop strategies to address them.
Long-term Vision:
Question 4: What will be most important to you in ten years? Explore the concept of long-term vision and how it can guide your choices now, taking you beyond the short-term mindset and focusing on creating a life you love.
Exercise: Create a vision board or journal dedicated to your long-term targets. Visualize where you want to be in ten years and express it through images, words, or drawings. Keep this visual representation in a place where you’ll see it regularly. When faced with decisions or distractions, refer to your vision board to stay aligned with your long-term aspirations.
Shifting Identity:
Question 5: Who must you become to do what you want to do?
Exercise: Identify a dream target or project that aligns with your long-term vision.
List qualities or characteristics you believe someone who achieves this dream target or project would possess. Each day, choose one characteristic and embody it intentionally as you work on your tasks. This exercise helps you shift your self-concept gradually and align your identity with the person you aspire to become.
As we wrap up today’s journey into the power of living in the question, Ariel’s question remains at the forefront. Your life is a magnificent tapestry woven with the threads of your questions, curiosity, and willingness to explore the unknown. Ariel, amidst the distractions, remember that embracing the questions is the key to unlocking the extraordinary potential within you and all of us.
Thank you, Ariel, for your insightful question and to everyone joining us on this exploration.
If this resonated with you or you have questions to share, drop them in the Congruent Living Facebook Group. Let’s continue the conversation.
Always stay curious, and keep questioning. Until next time, live boldly, love greatly, and be that fearless leader you came here to be.
“Amidst life’s distractions, your journey is a magnificent tapestry woven with questions, curiosity, and the courage to explore the unknown. Embrace the questions; they hold the key to unlocking the extraordinary within you. Stay curious, keep questioning, and live boldly as the fearless leader you were born to be. “
-Susan Lazar Hart-
Have a wonderful week filled with love and gratitude! Here’s to living a life you love. Big hugs,
