Sometimes we lose sight of the paths in our life.
We might be close to the path we're supposed to be on...or want to be on.
But as anyone who's ever gone hiking knows, being close to the right path still means we're not on it.
So what happens?
We find ourselves just kinda wandering in the woods.
And while it might be beautiful, and you might even be enjoying it somewhat...
...you're still going to be disappointed (or even in trouble) when you don't get to your destination.
So I'm coming to you today because I receive an awesome newsletter every week from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits.
(Love the book. If you haven't read it, I'd totally add it to your list.)
(⬇️ Btw, watch instead of reading, or read on below. ⬇️)
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If you're not familiar with James, he talks abou this idea of stacking our habits—doing the next most important thing that's going to take us to the next most important thing.
By stacking habits, you don't have to think about what you're supposed to do next. You just do it.
(And couldn't we all use a little less 'thinking about doing', and a little more 'just doing'?)
In fact, you probably already do this every morning. You:
- Get out of bed
- Go to the bathroom
- If you're like me, you take the dog out
- Have coffee
- Brush your teeth
Those are habit stacks. They happen naturally.
You don't have to think about it. You don't get caught up as much with distractions.
(PS - What if the rest of your life was more automatic like that? Where you just do the most important things that needs to be done, without much thought?)
So anyway, in James' recent 3-2-1 Newsletter talked about the simplest way to clarify your thinking:
1. Write a page on what you're dealing with or ruminating on, then...
2. Delete everything except 1-2 sentences that explain it best.
I talk about using brain dumps a lot in my coaching practice:
- Write down everything you're thinking.
- Don't judge it.
- Don't judge yourself.
- Don't discount it.
- Don't explain it away.
- Just get it all written down so you can see what's true, what's helpful, and what's not.
So I love the extra insight on this practice from James Clear:
- Look for the 1-2 sentences that explain the situation best.
- Or look for the 1-2 things you need to take action on next that will help you move in the direction you want.
You get all the nonsense rolling around in your head out, and get clarity and next steps in return.
You might think "I don't have time to do this" but let me ask you this:
How much time are you wasting every day, thinking and rethinking about the same things over and over again? Instead of taking action? Or clearing space for other things?
So if you're wandering in the woods, take time to brain dump and look for those 1-2 nuggets that'll clarify things and get you back on track.
- You might want to consider doing this at night before bed, especially if you tend to wake up in the night with your brain racing
- Or use it to start your day so you know the most important things to focus on.
Speaking of brain dumps AND habit stacks, those are two things we'll be tackling in my upcoming Momentum Reset Workshop on 5/1.
So for more help in upgrading your life with these things, join us! Use promo code AIM-50 for half off as thanks for Doing Life with me!
Love doing life with you,
Dawn
PS - If this has been a blessing to you, please share it with somebody else. And let me know whether doing a brain dump was helpful to you!
Whenever you're ready, here are some ways I can help:
Schedule a 45-min 'Pick My Brain' Session
Join an Event (Next Up: 5/01 Momentum Reset)
And here's 1 simple way you can help others:
Forward this email and invite them to link arms 🤝 with us
Sign Up for 'Do Life Together' Free Email Coaching
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