What would happen if you stopped trying? No kidding. Knock it off. No more trying.
I have a lot of areas in my life where I try really hard. Lately, I’ve noticed that those parts of my life tend to be the most trying personally (hmmm…). Nutrition, exercise and clutter are huge challenges for me. These biggies are where I keep “trying” instead of just doing – or NOT doing.
When I think “I’m trying,” I am deflecting my thoughts from why I am not simply doing or why I haven’t just retired the ambition. Sometimes we need to let ourselves off the hook – and feel great about it.
The funny thing is that when I allow the idea of letting something go, then my internal compass kicks in fast and hard to let me know if I really MUST do that thing or if letting it go is just what the doctor ordered. However, that reaction can only get my attention when I stop trying.
I dare you: stop trying. You either DO or you DON’T, but it’s intentional and in sync with your deepest self. If your internal compass tells you to DO, just give it 15 minutes. Even five minutes! Do a little and check in again. You may find that trying has been stopping you more than not trying. I believe there is freedom and relief in the outcome when we stop trying.
Image credit: Ove Tøpfer
How has trying blocked you? What would you like to stop trying and start (or stop) doing?
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Laurie – First, thank you for stopping by my blog today and commenting on Tess’s guest post. I truly appreciate it.
I just finished reading your profile. What an exciting life you’ve had. I love the story of how your dreams lead you to life coaching. It sounds like you’ve found a new passion.
As I read this post, I was thinking about what you said about stop trying. That’s true isn’t it? Learning to let go definitely opens the flood gates for me.
Hi Barbara – Thank you for your comment and for YOUR blog. I love surfing around it and learning new things.
Laurie, this is great! And what a “whoosh” of relief when I think about stopping trying to improve certain things about myself. Because in my life, the things I have battled hard against always stayed, and stayed, and stayed, way past their expiration date….and it was only when I “gave up” and concentrated on OTHER things that they dissolved, almost effortlessly. This was a fantastic reminder for me to just trust myself and my own timing. It has always served me well.
Looking forward to becoming one of your baby bloggers!
Thanks so much for your comment, Lynn. I love your phrase “the ‘whoosh’ of relief” – that really captures it! And I so needed your comment TODAY! “Trust myself and my timing” – wise words. Thank you!