“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced everyday.”
– Jim Rohn
Keeping things simple is not always easy. With the amount of items on our schedules, the places we need to be, and the people we need to talk to, things can get complicated rather quickly
. If we want to enjoy our lives, and not simply rush to get it all done, it is important to find ways to simplify our thinking and keep ourselves moving in the right direction.
The ability to simplify information, and determine what needs to be done, is a skill that we work on with the students in our district. Without this ability, school can feel like a chaotic storm of assignments and ideas. We teach our students to slow down, and make notes about what assignments need to be completed. We also teach them to keep all of this information organized in way that is easily accessible should they need it.
All of these little steps help the students to achieve clarity. Clarity is important because it helps us figure out the best use of our time, or where to direct our energy. Getting clear is typically a matter of getting everything that is going on in our mind, out onto the table, so that we can gain a new perspective and begin to organize our thinking. This can be done with pen and paper, or by talking to someone who we know will listen and help us find the clarity we seek.
By taking time to assess what is going on, we no longer have to be afraid. As we are relieved of the fear of the unknown, new energy is released. It takes the form of enthusiasm and interest in what we are doing. It is the lifeblood of a healthy emotional life and has a positive effect on our nervous system and overall sense of well-being.
I can think of a handful of students, on the verge of failure, or being expelled, who took one step at a time and were able to graduate, or get back into the flow with their peers in school. In each case, the key to was to develop a simple approach that helped soften the belief that they were doomed, and build a new sense that positive outcomes were available.
There is nothing more powerful than self-awareness. When someone else tells us something, we can argue or deny what is being said. When we see something with our own eyes, we are changed on the inside. Though we may fight our revelations for a while, we will eventually surrender to what we know to be true. This is when things take a turn for the better.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, take some time to simplify your thinking. Let go of limiting beliefs and open to a fresh perspective. You can start by writing everything down. Get it out of your head and onto paper, or talk to someone you know will listen. Just by taking this simple step, the light bulbs will come on and you will be inspired to take action. When you do, the funniest things will start to happen, and you will see that life is working in your favor.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com.
