How To Stop Checking Obligatory Boxes

We all fall into the habit of checking boxes in our professional and personal lives. “Boxes” are anything we feel obligated to do or be because we were conditioned to believe that by doing so, we would be right, successful, or happy. 

In order to stop checking obligatory, arbitrary boxes in order to buy back time to intentionally create whole-hearted commitments, we must be willing to revisit every YES and intentionally decide if we want to continue to prioritize the investment of our valuable yet limited time and energy. In other words, we must be willing to re-commit to anything taking up space in our lives. 

I invite you to do this:

• On a piece of paper, write down every relationship (personally or professionally) you’re currently investing your time or energy into maintaining. 
• Write down every task, project, role, or commitment you’re currently saying YES to. 
• Next to each one, write a + IF investing in this relationship or activity energizes you. 
• Write a - next to the ones that deplete or drain you. 
• If something is neutral (not energizing OR depleting), leave it blank. 
• On a new piece of paper, transfer every relationship or activity that received a +. 
• I invite you to consider these questions:
  • What is it about the + relationships that energize you?
  • What is about the + activities/tasks/commitments that energize you?
  • How does it feel to only see energizing relationships/commitments on the page?
  • If this is what your life could look and feel like most of the time, how might you feel?
• Go back to your initial list. 
• Take a black marker and cross out every relationship or activity that depletes you (you’re not actually going to do this yet or unless you choose to).
• As you cross out the depleting/draining items, I invite you to notice how you feel. Do you feel:
  • Guilty?
  • Ashamed?
  • Relieved?
  • Afraid?
  • Worried?
  • Anxious?
  • Spacious?
  • Free?
  • Energized?
  • Intentional?
  • Powerful?
  • Mean?
  • Crazy?
  • Something else?

If you’re ready to curate a deeply fulfulfilling, inspired life yet know you could use some support and accountability,  email me to schedule a complimentary happy hour call:

terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com

Thank you for investing your valuable time and energy into listening to the podcast. I’m so very grateful for you. 

If you enjoyed this episode, you can “tip the bartender” by rating and reviewing the podcast. Your review makes it easier for others to find the podcast. 

Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified any time I pour out a new episode. 

My new book Intentional Intoxication: How To Deliberately Distill The Different Life You Desire, is available on Amazon. You can imbibe on the entire book in one, short, intentionally happier hour:

Intentional Intoxication Book

If you’re interested to know about how I can support you in overcoming the habit of escaping or chasing, I invite you to reach out to me by using the email below and we find a time to chat:

terribradwaylifecoaching@coachbradway.com

For a quick shot of your life’s current level of intoxication, I invite you to complete the 10 Questions on my Intoxication Inventory:

Intoxication Inventory