Do you often find yourself saying yes to an increased workload, when you should be saying “No”? Are you working evenings and weekends leaving no time for FUN, or hobbies or relaxing with your family and loved ones? How about asking for longer deadlines, or factoring in more realistic time schedules for your work? Covering Tip #25 from our book 80 Tips, Tricks and Perspective Shifts for Everyday Action, Gina and Chris share their own experiences of being overwhelmed and the repercussions of taking on more than they can chew. And how by committing to less, and incorporating more FUN into their lives, they are actually achieving more.

Tricks of the magazine trade

In today’s podcast, Paul and Gina look at ways we can combat the ‘comparison game’ and come out on top.

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By the time we reach adulthhood, we’re trained to follow the annual calendar of set times to celebrate: New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, your birthday or anniversary, and perhaps one or two other unique situations or occasions in the calendar. We also celebrate victories and milestones like a new job, a new home, a favourite sports team win, or a great performance at our child’s piano recital.

The point is that nearly all celebration is due to an event. An experience, a moment in time, and a reflection of time passing.  Something outside of us. It’s an event that is so exciting or significant, it just feels good to celebrate.

So what if we created more celebration — more spontaneous celebration — in our lives, just because we can. What would you celebrate? How would you celebrate?

And what if we turned that equation around and said, “It feels good to celebrate, so I’m going to create an event that will be exciting (and fun) and significant (and have meaningful impact). I’m not going to wait for something else to happen, I’m just going to do it because I want to.”

Here are some thought starters to help you on your way to more spontaneous celebration for you and those around you. Even better is that each one can be done for free or very little cost.

Celebrate the people in your life

• For five consecutive days leave your partner or children a little note telling them how much they mean to you. Try to do it in 10 words or less, tell them a little thing they do that lights you up or warms your heart, tell them how much you appreciate their support, tell them something wonderful you often think about them but haven’t actually said it before. Five days, fifty words…you’ll be amazed at what you’ll get back in return for that little gesture.
• The same can work wonders for your work colleagues, especially if you manage a team. Leave hand-written notes on their desk, or send them a card about how much you value their contribution and recognise their good work. Be specific and mention exactly what they did or are doing that you appreciate.

Celebrate your experiences

• You’ve probably got dozens of great photos buried in your hard drive or in an old shoe box. Photo of your family, your travels, special occasions that remind you of magical moments in your life…but only if you see them! Don’t worry if they’re not professional looking or perfectly shot, just pick one or two that make you smile and send them off to the printer to get enlarged and framed. Printing via the internet will cost you less than £1 and a frame will cost you about £10. £11 spent once, to make you smile everyday for the rest of your life.

Celebrate your self

• Take a few minutes at the end of each day this week, and make a note to yourself. Acknowledge the progress you made, the success you had and the magic moments this week. Sometimes the smaller the better — it serves to remind you of the little things and little steps of progress you’re making to enjoy the life that you’re creating. This is extra powerful if you’re in a time of struggle right now. Don’t wait for all things to be better to celebrate, decide what IS going well, no matter how small, and celebrate that with a laugh, a smile or a spontaneous dance in the dark. Whatever works for you, but be spontaneous and free.

So I’ve decided that I’m going to go out with friends tonight for some live Irish music and I’ll be sure to spontaneously dance with the famous blond woman in the black dress.

Please leave a comment and let us know >>

• What would you like to spontaneously celebrate?
• And how will you do that?