subject: Four Simple Steps to Make Life Easier [print this page] Four Simple Steps to Make Life Easier Four Simple Steps to Make Life Easier
Life has challenges built in; we don't need to make it more difficult through limiting thoughts, sabotaging patterns, martyrdom and perfectionism. These all create stress, increase anxiety and take the fun and lightheartedness out of life, which affects our health and relationships.
Have you made life harder than it needs to be? I have made life harder in a variety of ways.
Limiting Beliefs
I have had limiting beliefs that made life more difficult for me. Some of them have been: Life wasn't meant to be easy. Parenting is hard work. Self sacrifice is always rewarding and money only comes from hard work. I became aware of the limiting beliefs and then decided on new ones that serve support and nurture me.
Sabotaging Patterns
I have had sabotaging patterns where I rushed around my house cleaning and caring - being a martyr. Forgoing my physical and emotional health with the expectation that one day I would be a rewarded for my sacrificial ways. The pay off didn't come and I soon gave up my Martyrdom (through overtiredness).
Perfectionism
The house had to look clean and tidy all the time for that unexpected visitor. The house was a reflection of me I thought. I also had to give 120% to each task to make it just right. This was a way of gaining approval from others. Today I approve of myself when the house looks lived in' and when I give 90% to tasks Self approval is far more rewarding. Letting go of perfectionism and lowering my standards to being acceptable' rather than perfect, made life easier.
Over-achieving to feel self worth.
I have worked myself to exhaustion trying to achieve enough so I can feel good about myself. As you probably already know you can never achieve enough to feel good about yourself long term. Sustainable self worth is an internal process. Building self worth and approval from within through affirmations and acknowledgement of my small achievements is easier than trying to orchestrate self worth externally.
Maybe you have your own strategies to make life harder than it needs to be?
Four simple steps to make life easier.
Become aware of the thoughts and strategies which aren't working for you.
Regularly ask yourself: "What am I thinking that is making this situation more difficult."
Regularly ask yourself: "Is there an easier way that is still effective and efficient?"
Be open minded to change, new ideas and solutions.
If all else fails, look for the humour in situations. If you can't change a situation you might at least be able to laugh about it and feel at ease.
