There's another option. You decide what's going to shape and drive your life. You choose vision for what your life is to be about, values you hold most sacred and kind of person you are to be. And you allow those three to shape and drive your actions in each moment. Life becomes much more joyful and productive when you can filter out all things that are not in alignment with your self-defined life purpose.

Just Say No

Once you’ve determined what’s important to you and how you want to spend your time you’ll need to protect it. Despite my aforementioned conspiracy theory, fact is everyone gets same 24 hours in a day. It's up to you decide how you'll invest those hours. And if you can't say no, you’ll end up doing some things you don’t want to do. Learning to say no creates boundaries that preserve precious time and will serve you and your purpose.

Be Here Now

Ram Dass brought this idea to fore in early seventies with his book, "Be Here Now." As busy humans living in 21st century, concept is no less important. We are geared and driven to do, do, do. She who gets most toys wins. There’s a balancing perspective to add to formula, however. Be-ing.

How might your experience of time, regardless of what you’re doing, feel different if you were aware, present in moment and full of a sense of be-ing? In other words, conscious of you -- your essence, your presence.

Get It Off Your Mind And Into A System

If it’s on your mind, it’s draining your energy. Keeping what you have to do on your mind creates mental stress. Think of your brain as RAM of your computer. There’s only so much it can hold until it crashes. Not only does your brain get clogged with 100 things you have to do, it can’t differentiate between their importance. Utilize a trustworthy collection system for your priorities, projects and tasks.

There are many time management systems available. Whether it’s a notebook you carry around, a mini tape recorder or a PDA, use a system to keep your brain available for higher functions. It's important to find one that fits your style and needs. For example, if you are technologically challenged, perhaps a computer-based time management system isn't best bet for you.

As another example, if you are not a morning person, it might be more prudent to schedule your most important tasks later in day, if possible. Think of a time management system as a pair of shoes. Make it fit comfortably and support you as much as possible.

Can you identify which of these foundations would be a good place for you to start? Where do you need most support? The result of these perspectives could open a new relationship to time and a more purpose driven life. Why not give it a try?

I’d love to hear your thoughts or feedback. Email me at helaine@pathofpurpose.com

It’s YOUR life…imagine possibilities!

That's a great way to look at how our minds respond when we feel relaxed and stress-free. We don't snap at our kids or get cranky with our co-workers. We get our tasks completed in a way that is efficient and without unnecessary action, emotion, or distraction. We have a point to which we return continually as we go through our day. There is no overreaction or failure to respond.

Still. Ripple. Still.

The only leak in this "mind like water" discussion is that Allen sticks with tried-and-true "empty mind" terminology. That's too bad. It would have been a perfect opportunity to switch to clear!

When "empty mind" concept becomes a barrier, slip into "clear mind" instead. After all, a pond is not empty. It is clear. Plenty of water. Rocks and mud at bottom. Fish swimming here and there. If water is clear, you can see it all and finest details become magnified as they pop into view.

The important aspect is our ability to see whatever we need to see. What happens when you toss a stone into an empty pond? Not much. It makes a thud on muddy bottom. Sure, you can see it. But what's point?

Your mind will continue to have thoughts. Don't expect to avoid them. Drop idea that you can remain "thoughtless" and embrace value of seeing those thoughts clearly.

You've spent years filling your head. Mindfulness gives you clarity to see what's going on in there without having to dump contents first. By releasing notion of emptiness, you can step into power of clarity.

Empty mind? Clear mind? Choose image that works for you.

I'll cast my vote for clear.