It’s a simple self-improvement exercise, but most effective when you approach it with a light touch.
What should you do less of? What would you like to do less of?
And the people in your life who love you – what would they like for you to do less of, though you may be ignoring their concern or their counsel?
Now take a look on the side of “more.”
Do you have a sense of what you should be doing more of?
Health, Love, Work, Money
Perhaps the answers to these deceptively simple questions point the way to healthier habits, to a change in money management, to redirecting your work efforts. Perhaps they concern your social life which you’re struggling to get off the ground, or decisions you can’t quite manage.
Perhaps it’s as straightforward as falling back into old bad habits, though the “fix” is not as easy as it would appear.
But give this little exercise a try. See if you learn something about yourself. Be sure to answer the questions off the top of your head. Then motivate your own baby steps – or big ones – toward making progress.
Care for a guinea pig? Okay. I’ll start.
Do Less, Do More, But Do Something!
I need to do less of this:
- worry about things I cannot control
- snack mindlessly
- isolate myself
- replay what ifs in my head over events I cannot change
I need to do more of this:
- sleep
- walk earlier in the day, before I’m tired (or make excuses)
- take vitamins, make consistently healthy food choices
- believe
Hmm. And what my friends and kids would say if I asked them to answer about me?
Among other things, would they remind me that it’s easy to get lost in intentions, details, and plans – while not escaping the pull of inertia?
Healthy Habits
I can observe themes that emerge in this quick exercise, having to do with worry, which surely impacts my sleep. Likewise, self-care is an area that I’m constantly struggling with. I apply its principles unevenly, with a terrible habit of not putting my own needs first, ingrained behavior to some extent and reinforced by motherhood.
But those needs are basic, and depend on tending to the rhythm of established routines or, where those routines have fallen apart, reconfiguring them into something that will work.
As for the item, believe – that’s a more complicated matter, also enlightening. Occasionally, a deeper issue reveals itself. Food for thought, don’t you think?
Your turn. Try it.
Any discoveries or reminders? Any surprises? What might you do next? As for yours truly, I’m putting on the walking shoes, and heading outside!
You May Also Enjoy
Often the more-less-of’s affect each other, I had sleep issues and for me (your mileage may vary and check with your doctor), what turned it around was getting my Vitamin D blood level above 50ng/mL and exercise. I’ve always taken vitamins my whole life so the habit was already present, I just added more bottles (multivitamin,5000IU Vit D,Calcium+Magnesium,Omega3) to my routine (Dr Oz copied me, we share a similar vitamin/mineral regiment 🙂 ). Men can develop apneas when they gain weight, so exercising and losing weight combined to make me physically tired on days I exercised and slimmer for better sleep. Creating an exercise habit that isn’t too lofty worked for me, exercise twice during the week and once on the weekend. I also use technology to push me to sleep, my wi-fi shuts off at night because of my tendency to check mail and articles when I’m bored. No TV in the bedroom also, for me that was a bad idea.
Online dating remains something I haven’t quite figured out how to stay motivated and positive on, affairs of the heart and mind do not lend themselves to simple solutions.
It’s like you crawled inside my head! Our lists are identical. It felt so good to do my walk earlier this morning!
dearest D
we saw the new Renoir movie (about the original Renoir and his son the film-maker) last night and this was a central theme – towards the end of his life Renoir simplified everything until all he needed to do was paint.
it was lovely.
the movie was like watching a painting come to life – in a good way – but there was no plot – but it was lyrical-in-form.
Wolf,
It is very practical to write down how we should dedicate our physical and mental time. Seeing it on paper helps one visualize what areas need improvement. The more you remind yourself what you need to cut out might help you increase time for habits that you need to include.
You’re so right, Rudri. Putting it down on paper helps a great deal!
Less of/more of….very revealing. I agree that writing it down is telling. Will do this when I’m around my pen and paper again – tomorrow morning. Great exercise.
I’m curious about the Renoir movie Team Gloria mentioned too – love Renoir and am not aware of the movie. Luncheon of the Boating Party is one of my all time favorite books. Hmmmmmmm…..
Thanks so much for sweet words on my blog.
If you like cute ballerina shoes… go check them out. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend.
LOVE Maria