Time to Make a Clean Sweep

It’s day two of the week after vacation. I love when I get to take a week off, but hate the feeling that I’m so far behind when I get back. So this week is about getting back on track after a week off. Yesterday I wrote about getting the focus back. There’s nothing like clearing the air and getting your thoughts back in line to really take off from here with a refreshed mind. As I’ve said, it is the first thing I do in coaching someone to get life back, to clear air again: take time to meditate and pray. Today, let’s move on to another one of those things that I like to do to help people start over.

It’s time to clean house. You spent a few days off, came back to the grind of your daily life. Did you notice while you were gone how many things weren’t all that important? This is why it’s another great time to clean things out. You’ve just realized how well you can get along without a lot of things. There are so many different ways that people recommend to clean out your world, but your focus should be on what needs to be cleaned.

A few months ago after losing my Dad, I was up to visit and help Mom clean out some of Dad’s things. The house and shed were filled with so many things that the clutter was overwhelming to Mom. It was overwhelming to me as I helped to clean it up. I love a clean life. I’ve gotten away from the clutter of things that are no longer used. I like the phrase “become a minimalist” – to live with less things.

Well this post today is not just about cleaning all the physical junk out and starting fresh. Instead, it’s time to take a review of life and find what is actually draining your energy. What are you holding onto that is keeping you from your ideal life? After all, you are here to read and find ways to make your life better; to really create a way that you can live your dream, and find ways to love what you do.

So you just got back from vacation or time off. It’s time to start with a fresh slate. Take this time and clean those things that are no longer needed. Let’s take this cleaning idea and apply it in the four areas of life that help keep you healthy, wealthy and wise.

1.  Physical environment. Take a look at where you live. Is your home the way you want it? Do you let things go that hinder you from living a fulfilled life? Have you wanted to do things like grow plants at home? Maybe you need to clean out some dying plants. Do you have your rooms and closets organized in a way that keeps you in a pleasant mood? Remember the old thing your mother used to say: make sure you have clean underwear in case you’re in an accident. That was a thing that she feared, so she addressed with you and that made her feel better. I know for Gwynne, she likes to have her bed made each day. It is that peaceful thing that makes her feel her home is clean. You need to find those things in your life that keep you at peace.

2.  Health and emotions. Wow! Health in our world is a huge topic as people are learning that they must take care of themselves completely – body, mind and soul. Do you have a regular workout routine? Do you have a faith base or meditation process to keep your mind and spirit healthy? This part is not just about eating right and exercising; it’s about keeping your mind in a place where you are more productive. I knew of a lady who, after she got the help she needed to take away the emotional damage from her past, was able to get up out of her wheelchair and I actually watched her dance again. That is the power of a healthy mind.

3.  Money. This is a big one. So many people do not have control over the money in their life. It’s time to get this part cleaned up. Maybe you came home from a vacation and spent more than you planned. Maybe it is time to get the budget in place to get you planning for you next vacation. I know over the past four years of my life I have been able to take off and head out on several 4-, 7-, 10-, and even 20-day vacations. It is due to the planning of my partner and me that we are able to do these things. But this is not just getting money in place. Are you working where you want to work? Are you thinking about starting that small business or self-employment project that you always wanted to do? It’s time to set up the money and start building life towards that side business that is going to be your love-what-you-do project.

4.  Relationships. Do you love those people who are in your life? Right now, how is the relationship you are in? Whether you have a spouse, partner, or other type of relationship, are they all in order? Is there anything that you must talk about now and clear the air about before your relationship gets into hot water? Is the life you live on the terms you want it to be? Do you have all the air cleared with your brothers and sisters? The hardest thing in life is to hear of two siblings who had an argument and one dies before they have made up. The other then lives with the regret of not settling that argument when they had the chance.

These are just a few spots in the four areas of life that you should look to clean up. If you just came back from a vacation, you’ve got a fresh start again. Take this time to clean up your everyday life to make it more productive, give yourself more energy, and take you to new places you only dreamed of.

I’m Tim Gillette, the Rocker Life Coach. It’s time for you to live the life you always wanted, to love what you do and those you share life with. Take some time today to clean up your life and be the RockStar in your world.