Are You On Autopilot?

Do you know what the definition of “autopilot” is?  Here’s the official Webster definition: 

“ autopilot - a cognitive state in which you act without self-awareness - she went about her chores on automatic pilot"

When I read this, I stopped in my tracks and said, that’s exactly how I have lived most of my life!  It didn’t matter if I was really busy, sick, stressed, depressed or just didn’t have enough time in the day, my  default was to go on “autopilot” and I could get it all done.  Yes, but at a HUGE personal cost to me. 

As women, we are trying to balance it all... careers, illness, family, home, relationships, aging parents, and so much more!.   There is never enough time, or to even think about what we are doing.  That’s what makes it so easy to go on “autopilot”, and that become our normal or default...NO THINKING REQUIRED. 

Well, it’s time to start changing that process and to decide what our new normal will be.  I have been working on this for quite some time and a really good friend said something to me that really changed my life.

She said “we all have the same 24 hours in a day, and it’s up to you to decide how you want to spend it”.   When she said that to me, of course, I got huffy and said, but you don’t understand.  The truth was that she did understand and was exactly right.

I have found some ways to start changing my “autopilot”, and I wanted to share them with you:

1. AWARE -   This sounds simple, but it’s harder than you think.  Start to pay attention to when you feel like you are just going from one thing to the next and not thinking or you know that you are on “autopilot”.  This is not about being right or wrong, but just about being aware.
2. NOTICE - Notice what you doing, how you are feeling and  be curious.   I find that I am usually doing it because I have ALWAYS done it this way, or I am trying to live up to someone else’s expectations.  This will give you an opportunity to really focus in more clearly.  
3. CHOOSE – Once you starting paying closer attention to what you are actually doing, and focusing in on why, you now have the opportunity to make a choice.  You may still choose to do the same thing as before and stay on “autopilot” for this task, but at least you now have a choice.  That’s what makes the real difference is that you are choosing, not just doing!

While I still do go on “autopilot” and back to my default, at least now I know that I am making a conscious choice now and I do think about it before I automatically go there.  It’s a slow road, but it does work. 

You can start to change your defaults and find ways to get off “autopilot” today!  It just takes the awareness of what you are doing, notice how you are feeling, and then you can make a choice.  It’s never too late to makes changes in your life.  It’s time to take that first step.

Please let me hear from you on what’s working and how I can support you in your journey. 

I would like to offer you a bonus gift that will help you on your personal journey.  I was very fortunate to co-author a book called “The Unstoppable Woman’s Guide to Emotional Well Being”, with 23 other women around the world.  This book has many tips, techniques and strategies about achieving  your goals and live your life. 

Please click below to download my chapter, “Handling High Stakes Scenarios”. 

BONUS: Download Darlene’s chapter “Handing High Stakes Scenarios”

I would love to work with you and find out how I can design a customized coaching program that exactly fits your needs and develop a plan for your personal and professional success.   I look forward to hearing from you.   Please contact me at darlene@darlenetempleton.com or drop by my site.

http://darlenetempleton.com/coaching-services -  password: 1234

About the Author:

Darlene Templeton, the transformation and transition coach and leadership expert 

Darlene Templeton is the CEO and founder of Templeton & Associates.  She is a corporate “escapee”,  a professional coach, speaker, and author.   She specializes in transformation and transition specifically for those who want to make a greater impact personally and professionally while rekindling their passion and drive for life.  Darlene engages, inspires and empowers women  who are overworked and overwhelmed, helping them to put more time back into their lives, so that can do the things that they truly  love.

Darlene lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, John.  She loves spending time with her family and her four grandchildren. 

Don't forget the ME time....you are WORTH it!

By Darlene Templeton

How many of you put everyone else’s needs, wants and desires first?  Without getting your answers, I can bet it’s the majority of us!  I find this with every group of women that I talk to or work with.   It’s just who we are!   

There are many ways to get your ME time, and I am going to share a few that are really simple and that either I do or other amazing women have shared with me.  The real key is to be aware that you deserve this time and focus on how to get it.     

• Quiet time - take 5:   Sounds easy and simple, but it’s not.  Find 5 minutes that you can truly have your quiet time.  This means to stop “doing” and to switch to just “being. Here are some suggestions:
  • Don’t go over your to do list for the day or what you need to do at work
  • Listen to your favorite songs
  • Focus on a place that relaxes you, I go to the beach
• Mediate:  I always thought that meditating was such a time consuming activity, and that I certainly did not have time to do this.  I found out that this is not true.  There are stats that say 10-15 minutes of meditation bring huge physical, mental and spiritual benefits.   Some easy ways to mediate:
  • Breathe   – deep breathing slows the heart rate, relaxes the body and helps focus your mind.  Count your  breaths
  • Feel your body  - Start with your feet, and the slowly move up your body
  • Guided meditation – there are so many great ones available,  check them out
• Spa Services:    When I take the time to get a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure, it just makes me feel special and pampered.  It’s the ultimate ME time.  However, I often hear, “I can’t afford it, it’s too expensive and/or I don’t have the time.”  Here are some suggestions on how to make that work: 
  • Search Groupon and other coupon offerings for deals.   My dear friend and I just had one of the best massages ever, and it was $25.   
  • Ask for gift certificates for spa services for your birthday and other special occasions.   My family and friends are very happy to do this. 
  • Make it a party  and get your girlfriends to go with you.  Now you not only have ME time, but time for a celebration!   

These are just a few quick and simple ways to implement time for you. There are many other really cool ways to put some time for you  back into your life.    Find the ones that work for you and then focus on adding them to your day.    Please don’t strive for perfection, remember that we are all “work in progress”.

I am asking you to add 5 minutes of ME time, a few days a week, and you will notice a huge difference.  If you keep it up for 21 days, then it will become a habit! YOU DESERVE IT!

Please let me hear from you on what is working for you and what changes you are seeing.  This would be great to share with the group.   Please leave your ideas and your comments.    

I would love to work with you and find out how I can design a customized coaching program that exactly fits your needs and develop a plan for your personal and professional success.   I look forward to hearing from you.   Please contact me at darlene@darlenetempleton.com

http://darlenetempleton.com/coaching/individual-coaching/

About the Author: 

Darlene Templeton, the transformation and transition coach and leadership expert 

Darlene Templeton is the CEO and founder of Templeton & Associates.  She is a corporate “escapee”,  a professional coach, speaker, and author.   She specializes in transformation and transition specifically for those who want to make a greater impact personally and professionally while rekindling their passion and drive for life.  Darlene engages, inspires and empowers women  who are overworked and overwhelmed, helping them to put more time back into their lives, so that can do the things that they truly  love.

Darlene lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, John.  She loves spending time with her family and her four grandchildren. 

Learn the “Secret Weapon” to Boosting your Energy and Mood while Relieving Stress by Megan Tull

Ready for this…it’s exercise!

Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity or building muscles. It actually has even greater benefits for your energy, mood and even brainpower.

With regular mild to moderate exercise you can improve your life by;

1. Easing Stress and Anxiety- Exercising regularly helps to take charge of the reduce stress and anxiety. Aerobic exercise releases hormones that relieves stress and promotes a sense of well being.
2. Boosting Energy- Increasing your heart rate several times a week will give you more up and go. Start off with a few minutes of exercise each day and then build up to more and increase your workout when you get more energy.
3.  Lifting Your Mood- Exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as an antidepressant medication. Exercise releases endorphins, powerful chemicals in your brain that energizes you spirit and makes you feel good.
4. Sharpening Your Brainpower- The same endorphins that make you feel better, also help you to concentrate and stay focused on the task at hand. Exercise also stimulates the growth of new brain cells and helps prevent age related decline.
5. Improving Self Esteem- Regular exercise is an investment in your mind, body and soul. When it becomes a habit you begin to develop a sense of self worth and empowerment not to mention, you’ll feel better about the way you look!  

What if you don’t like to exercise or don’t  have time to exercise?          

Just like anything else in life; you have a choice to make. You need to choose to make exercise a part of your daily life.

If time is your concern, even short low impact exercise can act as a tool to refuel your health. Even something as simple as walking your dog for 15 min. can have a huge impact.

If you feel that you’re too tired to exercise; Great news, regular exercise is an incredibly powerful tool that can significantly reduce fatigue and give you more energy.

If you typically don’t enjoy exercising; find ways to make it fun. Just about everybody can find a physical activity that they can enjoy even playing active based video games with your kids counts. Try classes at your local gym to see what you might enjoy.

If your concern is that you might get hurt or it’s too challenging consider this; exercise does not have to hurt to be effective, the old saying “no pain no gain” does not have to apply. You can build your strength and stamina simply by walking, swimming, golfing, or even cleaning the house.

Remember, it’s never too late to start building your strength and physical fitness even if you’re a senior or a couch potato, who has never exercised before. Exercise is a proven treatment to heal many diseases form diabetes to arthritis. Very few health or weight problems make exercise out of the question (Although, it is always a good idea to check with your physician to get the ok)

For example: As a professional Pilates Instructor, I currently am working with many individuals who have specific injuries that are overcoming or even recovering from surgery (even breast reconstruction); Where I customize a specific workout based on their individual needs. To find out more go to: Personalized Pilates DVD

The key is to commit to doing some moderate physical activity every day. As exercising becomes a habit, you can slowly add extra minutes or more challenging workouts. Once you start experiencing the incredible benefits that exercise has to offer such as; your physique improving, more energy and more at peace; that will motivate you each day to continue.

 I wish you the best on your fitness journey to assist you on your journey; I would like to offer you a special gift along with a bonus gift; 

1. Megan's Super Simple Exercise Tips to assist you in getting a jump start on your fitness goals.

2. Bonus gift- Subscription to my bimonthly newsletter "The Purpose, Passion and Prosperity Journal". It includes valuable bimonthly articles that offer tips on the following topics; health, fitness, wellness, personal growth and business success; to assist you in living your purpose with passion and prosperity! 

Click here: Megan's Exercise Tips to receive your gifts.

Enjoy!

About the Author:

Megan Tull "The Transformation Coach"

Life and Wellness Coach/Pilates and Fitness Expert

  Megan is a wife, a mother, entrepreneur, public speaker and author. She owns two companies, Silverlining Concepts, LLC and Ultimate Bodies Pilates. She is a Life and Wellness Coach and Certified Peak Pilates Instructor/Fitness Expert. She customizes personalized packages to assist women in transforming their mind and bodies. Her specialty and her passion is to empower women with individual and group Life and Wellness Coaching to live authentic, joyful lives focusing on selfcare life balance and life purpose. Megan's website