When you're tired of pushing yourself to get things done -

May I introduce you to Stick.

Stick has been a longstanding companion of mine. He’s been there with me through tough times when I really didn’t want to do things on my ‘to do’ list but did them anyway, the late nighters working to meet a deadline, and making sure that I delivered on all of my promises (even if they may have been unrealistic). He’s also been there shifting the goal posts, reminding me that failure or saying ‘no’ is never an option, and telling me what I do is never enough– that I should be doing more, doing better. Stick’s been pushing me through thick and thin.

*Interesting when I created the above image for this blog I made a Freudian slip on the blog title – but decided to keep it because sometimes that’s a better reflection of how I treat myself 🙁

I know that Stick means well, but I’m getting a bit tired of Stick. In fact, I’m finding Stick’s powers are starting to wane. Stick doesn’t motivate me so well any more. It’s hard to keep getting beaten when you’re already lying on the ground.

So I’ve decided to say goodbye to Stick.

It’s a bit scary letting him go. We’ve been together for so long and Stick was so effective at times. And I don’t have a firm substitute, a 1-2-3 step process or standard operating procedure. I’m currently interviewing for his replacement.

It’s not that I have given up or don’t want to get things done. I’m just looking for a gentler way.

At the moment, Kindness (aka Heart) has asked for a chance. I’m not sure how it’ll go, so I’m putting them on probation. I’m testing to see how goal setting and productivity fit with Kindness and Heart. Will they be my undoing? Will they lead me to a life and business in rack and ruin? Or will they show me a way of having success that transcends those of Stick’s?

I’ve decided to give them a go.

I’d like to offer you an invitation to an experiment. One about Kindness.

Starting on 1 December, I am doing a ‘Cup of Kindness’ 21 Day Experiment (it’s never to late to join in).

It’s about doing relatively small kind things for ourselves on a regular basis. It is not about grand or expensive gestures, like booking in a massage or getting your hair or nails done. It’s not expected to cost you an extra cent. For instance, you could be kinder to yourself by recognising something that you’ve done well today, counting 10 deep breathes, finding an easier way to do something, and if today’s been rough, talking to ourselves like we would a close friend (instead of asking Stick to step in).

As with all experiments it’s good to measure the ‘before’ and ‘after’. So I have created a free Cup of Kindness workbook for anyone that wants to join in.

Inner Creative blog - When you're tired of pushing yourself to get things done

Part 1 of the workbook contains a few questions to capture how you’re feeling now, some possible kind things that you could do for yourself (plus space to add your own ideas), and a colouring-in tracker to mark your progress along the way. You can download the free workbook when you join up the Cup of Kindness experiment.

I’ll be sharing my progress mainly on Facebook or Instagram. Please follow along and connect with me by commenting or using the #cupofkindness #innercreative hashtags to share your progress.

Why not follow along with my adventure to see where it takes me and if there’s anything of use to you?

Or even better why not join me in giving yourself a daily Cup of Kindness? It’s never too late to start.

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