Creating space for a change

Dear Diary. There always seems to be so much to do and so little time to do it in! There are so many things i want to see and do and be in this lifetime, that I find myself juggling a list of actions and often not knowing what to do next. Some of the things that I would love to introduce into my life end up at the bottom of the list in favour of the urgent day-to-day tasks. How do I change this so I have more time to do the things and create the life I really want?

Lack of time is one of the most common issues my coaching clients bring to their sessions. Despite all of the technological advances, there seems to be more "to do" than ever before. Our expectations have been raised and we live in a world that demands instantaneous results. Compare the protocol around email compared to traditional mail. Not that long ago, we would send a letter that would take a few days to be delivered and now we follow up emails if there hasn't been a response within a few hours! With the power of technology comes a blessing and a curse. We need to find a way to harness the advances of the 20th and 21st Century whilst creating space to focus on what is most important to us.

There are some practical things you can do to improve and enhance your time management skills (see "Time Management - A new Approach?") but creating space for a change is more than time management. In my experience, for new growth to happen in my life, I need to be prepared to let go of the old to make way for the new.

Letting go comes in many forms... Here are just some suggestions:

• Letting go of clutter - Having physical space in your environment is a freeing experience! Do you really need all of that stuff you have accumulated over the years?! I have a simple rule. If you don't love it or use it.. pass it on or throw it away.  Begin by clearing out a cupboard or drawer and see how addictive space-creating can be! Remember to recycle!
• Letting go of limiting beliefs - beliefs are just well trodden thought paths. Many of our limitations are self-imposed. We believe we can't do things because we aren't smart enough or rich enough or good enough. We are always enough! Remind yourself of this on a daily basis. Give your focus of attention to your strengths and overcome your limitations. NLP is a great tool for breaking through limiting beliefs.
• Letting go of energy drains - Energy drains come in many forms; addictive behaviour (drink, drugs, TV etc), work or a career that doesn't inspire you, friendships or relationships that aren't supportive of the person you are becoming. Notice what is draining your energy and look to transform the situation or be prepared to let it go.

With space comes a sense of possibility. When we are caught up in the ongoing rat race, it is a real challenge to find new ways of being in the world. Letting go of the old provides space for thought, creation and opportunity and who knows how you will fill that new space? When you let go you may be pleasantly surprised by finding out what you are truly capable of!