Have you ever found yourself running without direction?

It can happen at work and at home.

Calendars fill up with appointments.

Lists of tasks get longer and longer.

We start to feel buried.

Our calendars and to do lists get in front of us and we rush from one thing to another.

We start to feel tired and breathless.

It can feel like the schedule controls us vs. our controlling the schedule.

And sometimes we forget to check-in on the what we are doing and why.

We all run without direction now and again. It happens easily. And it is okay – there is actually purpose in the contrast between feeling in control and out of control.

In fact, the act of losing our breath gives us an opportunity to reset.

To make you feel better about the speed or aimlessness of any given run – watch 10 seconds or less of these outtakes from Cruft’s 2017 Rescue Dog Agility Competition (below) - and then keep reading....

In it you will see dogs running fast, missed turns, dead ends, a few stumbles - and the unbridled joy of checking in, getting up again and running fast some more. If you’re like me, you will laugh out loud and completely relate to the dogs who are on the agility course. I promise it will lift your spirits.

Seeing these happy dogs running without direction is relatable at some level and, when I show it in my Overcoming Obstacles or Time Management courses, it seems to lighten the load of running without direction. It can happen to the best of us.

It’s also a reminder that we can reset at any moment. Awareness and/or discomfort fuels the reset opportunity.

For me, being out of control reminds me that I want to be more proactive about my schedule. It reminds me that it’s never too late to reset.

If you find yourself breathless and/or running behind your calendar, let these six key questions inspire your thinking.

(1) What’s on your list? (Get it out of your head and on paper where you can see it - it will lighten your load.) 

(2) What are your top 2-3 priorities this week/weekend? 

(3) Look critically at the list - what items represent things you actually must do (i.e., responsibilities and top priorities) vs things you feel you should do?

(4) What can you remove from your list or let go of? 

(5) What are the things you want to do? (Are there any "want to dos" on your list? If not - add a few and build them in as rewards.)

(6) Speaking of rewards - what rewards have you built in for steps taken? 

The questions above empower the reset. I hope you will find them helpful as you seek direction and organize for the day, weekend and week ahead.

One more thought. You may have noticed that the dogs on the agility course occasionally checked in with their guide, trainer and coach. Treats were offered, the reset opportunity was established and the run resumed. Never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. As my beagle once taught me, “It is not the size of the treat that matters but the act of being treated.”

Check in with your coach - or give me a call - we'll get you back on track - unstuck and feeling positive again.

There is nothing wrong with running. As the dog agility course illustrates, it can be so much fun. Just remember why you are running and where.

Wishing you great success….

~Kathy~

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Your Purpose is My Passion

I’m an organizational development specialist with a doctorate in communication, expertise in planning/goal-setting and a commitment to mindfulness in all settings - at work, at home, and in our communities. If I can help your team, your nonprofit, your community, or support you through 1:1 coaching, let me know. My passion is fueling your sense of purpose!

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Not on Social Media?

Many have taken breaks from social media platforms. If you are on social media and are looking for positive messaging, I'm returning after my own little social media break. And if social media's still not a place that feels good, that's okay - I'm posting new material on my website on a weekly basis - refresh your browser. I'll see you there. 

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© Kathy Sturgis, PhD

Time for a Reset

Take a breather - maybe listen with a pancake breakfast this weekend! (That sounds good to me - what's your favorite?)

After a relaxing time of non-thought, make a list of things you want to do this weekend (or this week) - something just for you - something that makes you feel happy from the inside out - something that refreshes you. it's like putting your own oxygen mask on first. We need you at full power - refreshed and ready for the week ahead. You are making a difference in our world - thank you. ~Kathy~

Find other uplifting, meditative music on my "Music & Meditation" page.