All right - Yesterday we ended with tackling one small thing, picking it out, DOING it, and most importantly, FINISHING that one small task that you picked out.

Let’s say that you picked cleaning out the trash from the car {note: I didn’t say “cleaning the car” - that’s a bigger job - just get the clutter/trash out of there.}  Or you picked making a phone call to someone you’ve been putting off for whatever reason.

Now.  You did it!  It’s “Miller Time!”.  Seriously, stop. Take a moment.  Revel in what you just accomplished.  Ok, so you didn’t conquer global warming… geez… it doesn’t matter the “size” of the task - sometimes it’s just the fact that you actually DID something is quite an accomplishment.

Now, to some of you out there, this is going to seem plain silly.  Right up there with the “Make your bed” post, hmm?  Well, for many of us with “energy drain” issues this can be quite an accomplishment. 

So, I haven’t mentioned reward yet, have I?  Well, here’s the reward - a great big mental pat on the back.  I’m serious!  When you’re standing there quietly for just a moment, smile to yourself and FEEL how good it is to have started, done, and completed just one thing.  And QUIT beating yourself up about how small it was, that it didn’t really matter, or any of the hundreds of self-defeating things we tell ourselves.

This time your reward is worth more than any money, better for you than any drug, and feels better than… well… you get my meaning!  Feeling good about something you did and actually praising yourself for it is the best thing you can do for yourself - ever.

So, thank you, Cheryl Richardson for writing about Energy Drains and inspiring these last few blogs.

Tomorrow…. on to other topics.  What shall I pick?

So, how did your list-making go?  How many “little” things did you write down? Did they include people? Relationships? Or just “to-do’s”?

Sometimes they can be bigger rather than little, hmm?  But, they’re energy drainers all the same.

So, what do you do?  How do you start plugging the “energy drain” so that you can keep more energy in your life?

First of all - you pick ONE.  Just ONE - an easy one, please.  (Don’t try to tackle your problems with your mother-in-law or your boss first, ok?)  For example, that subscription you’ve been meaning to cancel.  The phone call to a friend you’ve been meaning to make.  Get out the WD-40 and spray it on the hinges of that squeaky door.  Go get a trash sack and clean out all the trash out of the car.  Whatever.  Just SOMETHING. 

In other words - TAKE ACTION.  DO SOMETHING. You will be absolutely amazed at how good just one small 5 minute (or less) act can make you feel.

This goes back to my post from the other day - you know, the one where you thought I’d lost my mind - where I said, “Make your bed every day.”

Well… the principal is the same.  Just tackle one thing at a time.  One thing.  Take action.

Tomorrow - next step.  The Reward!

By the way, have you been over to the 117 Give Away yet?  If stress is getting to you, there are an awful lot of freebies there - meditation, self-hypnosis, diets, excercise tips, and all sorts of inspirational (religious, spiritual) and motivational free ebooks to download.  Please check it out - it really is free - just sign up.  I highly recommend it.

The term “Energy Drains” is most recognized as being used by Cheryl Richardson in her bestselling book Take Time for Your Life.  In chapter 3 titled “What’s Draining You?” Cheryl discusses how many little (or perhaps not-so-little) things might be causing energy drains.

Stop and think about that.  What little things are you constantly thinking about?  Then what things are you saying to yourself “Oh, I’ll take care of that later - it’s not a big deal.”  For example, a squeaky door hinge or a pile of junk by the door.

Every time you have to go through the process of: 1) Recognize the problem  2)  Tell yourself to just ignore it for now  3) then proceed to “block” it out.  This may only take a few seconds. 

BUT - what if this happens over and over and over during your day?  How many times will you have to repeat the process.  If you’re like me, it even gets to the point where you’re not even realizing that you’ve even gone through a process at all - it’s become an unconscious thought habit.  Those can be deadly! (Energy-wise, that is.)

So, in this first installment, I’d like to suggest that everyone out there list out all the little pesky things that keep bugging you every day.  Just write them down for now.

Tomorrow we’ll tackle ‘em!

In the mean time, I really would recommend a quick read through Cheryl’s book Take Time for Your Life.  She’s even been a guest multiple times on Oprah.

 Finally, I want to leave you with one last thought.  If you’re looking for some great ideas for all sorts of self-improvement help, there are literally TONS of free gifts - ebooks, articles, etc… at the www.117selfimprovementgifts.com giveaway.  I’d highly recommend checking it out - it doesn’t cost anything to look and all the motivational information contained there is priceless.

‘Till tamarra!

Ok, I know it might seem silly, but sometimes the simplest things can bring such an improvement to our state of mind.  Anxiety will be eased somewhat.  We can take a deep breath.  In…  Out…  In… Out… 

I’m going to share with you today just a tiny piece of advice I recieved from my grandmother many years ago.  “Make your bed everyday.”  What??!  Yes, I’m serious.  Make your bed.  I know… I know… What in the blue-blazes does this have to do with stress?? with anxiety?? with all the “important” things in my life??

Nothing.  Everything.

Just think about this for a minute:  If one small part of your world is in order, under your control, and looks nice, then the rest won’t seem quite so insurmountable.

Strange thought, hmm?

Motivation to do something - is a powerful force for your benefit OR for your detriment. 

So, make your bed (first thing in the morning is best).  After you’ve pulled up the comforter, straightened out the wrinkles, and fluffed up your pillows, step back for a moment and admire your accomplishment.  Take a deep breath.  Tell yourself: “There’s one thing done.  Good Job.  Now, let’s take on the next one!” Take another slow deep breath, smile, and believe me - your day will feel so much more in control.

 Very strange, I know - but believe me - It WORKS!  Just try it - you’ll see!

Thanks, Grandma for that piece of advice:  “Make your bed everyday.”  I still love you so much and miss you everyday.