Today we're continuing the story of Jane and her energy-draining "Pile Paralysis." If you missed Part 1, you can read it here:
Jane had a "big pile" of stuff next to her front door. Instead of cleaning it up as planned, she put it off. Indefinitely. The longer it sat there, the greater Jane's resistance to moving it. "The pile" was becoming an elephant in Jane's mind. The longer it sat there, the worse she felt.
"So why would a smart, responsible, loving person like Jane allow her life to be sidelined by a dinky little pile of papers?"
It's the question on everyone's mind right now. Not only out of concern for Jane. But because if you, the reader, are anything like the rest of us, there's very likely a "pile" somewhere in your life as well. Not necessarily right next to the door. But somewhere. Lurking. Hiding. Draining your energy. You see, Jane is pretty normal.
I've come up with a list of reasons why a normally sharp individual (like our Jane) might allow their life to be sidelined by something seemingly trivial. Why not see if any of them speak to you?
* I don't know what to do with the stuff in the pile.
* Maybe there's something scary in there I won't know how to deal with.
* I'm tired (physically) from working so hard all day.
* I'm exhausted (mentally and emotionally) from working so hard all day.
* I shouldn't have to do more work when I get home from work.
* Nobody's going to tell me what to do -- not even me! I'll do it when I'm good and ready.
* Why can't someone else clean up the pile? Why does it have to be me?
* If I leave the pile where it is, maybe I'll get some recognition for everything I do around here.
* I'm too busy doing everybody else's stuff to get around to my own.
* Once the pile is done, then I'll have to move to the next project. That's too scary. I'd rather stare at the pile.
* It'll take too long. I'd need a whole weekend for it, and I don't have a whole weekend available to "waste."
* Oh that? It's nothing.
* I don't want to throw it out. What if I need it later?
* I like things just the way they are. Change is scary.
* Identity theft. First we have to get a shredder. We can't afford a shredder until the car's paid off. That'll be 3 more years.
* The kids really need my attention in the evenings. I'm the mom!
* My spouse really needs my attention in the evenings. I'm the wife!
* My mom's lightbulbs needed to be changed. She can't climb the ladder.
* I can do it later. What's the rush?
* Nobody really cares about the pile except me. I'm not worth the effort.
We could go on, but I hope you get the idea. In the back of Jane's mind, there's some kind of "big story" going on about her attachment to the pile. Ideally, it would be great if Jane could bring her "big story" out into the open (into her own consciousness). Show it the light of day. Because, honestly, there's a way around each and every one of those great reasons for a motivated person.
But first, you've got to know what it is!
How about you? Would you like to get rid of your "big pile?" If so, you're in luck. The summer session of our group wellness coaching begins on Thursday, May 15th.
It runs for 3 months, concluding on August 15th. You'll pick a project and dispatch it, once and for all. Once you've succeeded, you'll feel an enormous sense of satisfaction. Just like Jane will -- after she conquers "the pile."
Master your life this summer. Learn more here: Wellness Coaching
Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
Take our free Less Stress; More Time mini-course!
