11 Things In 2011

Reverb 10 Prompt #11: 11 Things. What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?

My, my, my. I really had to think about this one. Here’ s my list, in no particular order…

1. Multitasking. I think multitasking is a good thing in moderation. But I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve physically hurt myself (running into furniture, breaking nails waaaay down in the nail bed, dropping things on my toes, falling into the pool and smacking my head on the deck) in a mad rush to get AS MUCH DONE AS POSSIBLE. And then there’s the multitasking that takes my attention away from my children. “Uh-huh.” {Nodding head even though I have no idea what the child just said to me.} While doing two or three things at once is sometimes necessary, making an effort to focus is important to me and to my family.

2. Procrastination. Doesn’t everyone have this on their “11 Things” list? I go through these bipolar-ish swings where I put everything off for days, then get all crazy motivated, drink a Rockstar energy drink, and go to town. Let’s try some balance in 2011.

3. Compulsive planning. My friend Diana mentioned this in her 11 things: “Chances are if you’re ‘organizing how to get things done’ you’re not getting things done.” This is SO me – making lists and schedules and routines and trying out new apps and charts designed to help me be more productive. I’ve been doing this for 20 years and can think of only two things that have ever helped: My Daily Habits list and HabitForge.  I’m done wasting time planning how I’m going to get things done. Getting things done is easy: Make a list, do the stuff, and check it off.

4. Bitchiness. Otherwise known as complaining, snapping, heaving heavy sighs and slamming doors. Hate this about myself. Would love a magic wand to wave it away. It’s all about self-control, which I really need to practice.

5. Yelling. Cut/paste #4 here. I despise seeing other people yell. I know how much mental damage it can do. Just stop it already.

6. Drama. I’ve been involved in a lot of drama this year. It’s hard to walk the line between being a friend and being dragged into drama. Here’s how I plan to do it: Stay out of other people’s business unless I’m specifically asked for help.

7. Self-doubt. I’ve actually been working on this in 2010. I just keep telling myself that I am AWESOME. That I totally rock. And I keep moving forward. Don’t dwell on the past or on things you can’t change. Every day is a new chance to bring the awesomeness.

8. Weight. Ugh. I guess I have to concede that exercising, but eating whatever I want, does not work. Bummer.

9. Bearing the Burden: I tend to take on too much, then complain about it and expect everyone to feel sorry for me. I know that squelching this tendency will help improve #4, #5, and possibly #8.

10. Guilt. Another one that I bet is common on “11 Things” lists. But I honestly have no idea how to eliminate – or even cut back – guilt.

11. Frowning/Scowling. You might think this falls under #4, but I have this natural expression on my face that causes people to ask me “What’s wrong?” I’ve heard it said that your face speaks volumes. My facial expression and body language alone can affect my kids’ behavior. Maybe I should get one of those rubber bracelets that says “Smile.”

Do I really think I can eliminate these 11 things from my life next year? Absolutely not. But I’m going to print this list out and look at it every day so I can significantly cut down on destructive behaviors that are getting me nowhere.

Yes, I’m a bit behind in the prompts, even though I had a nice quiet weekend (hello #2, procrastination). Prompt #12 is “Body integration. This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?” I’m skipping this prompt because I have absolutely nothing to say on this topic. I’ve been completely hyper-aware of my body and uncomfortable in my skin this past year. See #8 above.

I’ll catch up with prompt #13 tomorrow.

Tagged as: change, exercise, family life, self-improvement, stress, weight loss