Save energy - go with the flow

One of my biggest challenges over the years has been learning to accept that I'm not actually in control of the world. (Yeah, I know, it still surprises me too. But it's true.) However tempted I am to believe otherwise, I find that the world just goes about its business, completely ignoring my expectations.

Running late and traffic is backed up? Not my choice. Trying to make a connection and my flight is delayed? Nope, not what I would pick either. Bad hair day? Hmmmm...OK, so that one's not so relevant for me. ;-) But still, you get the idea.

I've discovered that the more I am able to go with the flow and not waste energy being upset about things I can't possibly control, the happier I am. Not surprisingly, I'm also more productive, and more able to focus on what matters. I won't claim to be perfect (or even close to it), but I'm way better than I used to be.

With all that in mind, I loved this post on Zen Habits offering 12 practical steps for learning to go with the flow.  I'm listing them here, and you can follow the link for all the details. If you even incorporate only one of these into your habitual approach to life, it will be well worth the read.

1. Realize that you can’t control everything.
2. Become aware.
3. Breathe.
4. Get perspective.
5. Practice.
6. Baby steps.
7. Laugh.
8. Keep a journal.
9. Meditate.
10. Realize that you can’t control others.
11. Accept change and imperfection.
12. Enjoy life as a flow of change, chaos and beauty.

In The Gain to Drain Ratio, part of the trick is maximizing what gives you energy, and the other part is minimizing what drains you. Learning to go with the flow is a great antidote to the energy drain that happens when we waste energy getting our knickers in a knot.

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Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst ^TM