You know this trick, “I’m going to set aside a day to….” It’s actually a good idea. Here are some things you could accomplish in a set-aside day.
Emphasis Day
The idea for a Set-Aside Day came when I wanted to add two regular actions to my life. I wanted to juice more and I wanted to walk more. I was always coming up with an excuse not to do either. I decided to choose two days a week to emphasize these choices. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’m going to have a smoothie for breakfast and juice for lunch. On that same Emphasis Day, I’m going to walk, consciously, purposefully, attentively. I can do that.
New Habit Day
I also want to add more stretching for flexibility to my life. I’ve identified several organic times in my day that I could do this but again, I seem to let those opportunities slip by. By declaring one day a week a New Habit Day, I will begin to add another form of exercise to my life.
Improvement Day
It occurred to me that my Qi Gong practice would improve if I would stand longer in each position. I will also go back over the book I learned it from to make certain I am doing the form correctly. I could also go online for videos. What skill, habit or action could you improve on an Improvement Day?
Get it Done Day
There’s a project you’ve been meaning to do forever. Choose a day and do it. I’d be willing to bet that you can get it done in a lot shorter time than you thought you could. Whether it’s simplifying your belongings, organizing your pantry, or giving the dog a bath, taking time to complete long-avoided projects has an amazingly comforting and satisfying affect. What do you finally need to do?
Organize Day
Systems are good. They can save you time and make you more efficient. Just today in my spiritual reading, I can across a quote that would be perfect for my book on unfolding. Fortunately, two days ago I created a document to collect the quotes for several books, including the one on unfolding. A few clicks and I had the quote saved where I wanted it. When you set up systems for capturing ideas or reminders, you can quickly move those ideas to a safe place and get back to work. What would you organize on an Organize Day?
Promises to Keep Day
Was there something you said you would do that you keep putting off? Create a Promises to Keep day and do what you said you would do. It’s important to keep your promised time line, especially when someone else needs your piece of the puzzle before he or she can proceed. What undelivered promises are haunting you?
Learn It Day
Most of the time when we put things off, it’s because we don’t know how to do it. I’m dragging my feet on digital publishing and on making my own book covers. If I set aside a day and focus on understanding the process, I will be well on my way to owning a new skill. Is there something you’ve been putting off that you could easily do if you learned a little more?
Read It Day
I have some esoteric books I have owned for months that I have yet to read. I can’t read the books in one day, but I could certainly get started in a Read It Day. Perhaps even looking through the book and examining the table of contents will deepen my interest and motivate me to get started. I am currently reading some move-me-forward books about business; however, I would also like to read these spiritually oriented books in addition to the ones I read daily. A Read It Day might help.
Make a Choice Day
Look at a choice as an opportunity to explore an idea and simply pick something and do it. On a Make a Choice Day you could do some research. List the good and the not so good. Visualize where each choice will take you. Write down the constrictions along with the opportunities. Do whatever it takes to chose something and begin to move forward. You can always choose something else if the first choice seems to lead in the wrong direction.
When do I want a Set-Aside Day?
Willingness is important. You won’t do the project if you are not really interested and willing to do it. Having the time to do it is important. You may have to rearrange your calendar and select the best time to set aside. If it’s a new habit that you want to establish, move into it gently. I don’t want to juice every day but I certainly would like to walk every day. Yet I’m beginning with doing both twice a week. I’ll allow the walking to move into other days when it seems right.
Which Set-Aside Day will you choose? Can you put it on your calendar right now?