If You Want a Better Life...Do the Math!

I failed grade 9 math. It's true. Probably the most basic math class I would ever have in high school and I failed.

The truth is, I wasn't much of a student throughout most of my formative years and I struggled in many subjects, but especially math, so maybe this shouldn't be a surprise.

But I was so bad at math, that I got 51% the second time around. I think the teacher felt sorry for me or just didn't want to see me again the following year and bumped me up.

While there were many reasons why I wasn't a good student; I rarely attended classes, I didn't care about school, and if it wasn't for football, I likely would have bailed sooner than I did.

Okay, so I don't have a math mind. That's okay. So let's keep it simple. Simple math.

If you want to have a better life (whatever that means for you) implement a strategy of subtraction.

That's it. No calculus, algebra or differential equations ( I honestly don't know what those are)

Just subtraction!

What do I mean?

I mean in order to live a fulfilling life, one with meaning and purpose; and if you want clarity, and to feel productive, then start removing things from your life.

Sure, you can keep adding things if you like, but that's a recipe for disaster. Want to know why? You only have so much capacity, energy and time.

Recently, I was talking with a friend who told me how exhausted she is now that she's going back to school, all the while, still working, still raising kids and engaging in an active lifestyle...soccer mom, baseball etc. She was already feeling it and it was all over her face. She looked beat, or beat up.

Yup, we can keep adding all we want; but unless we introduce subtraction into our lives, we may find ourselves, not only "busy" but overwhelmed, exhausted, and unable or unwilling to get out of bed some day.

Remember this is simple math...Subtraction!

So where to start. With my friend, I gently suggested that when you say yes to something, you need to say no to something else...otherwise, the math doesn't work.

So if you want more time, money, better health, more productivity or energy...

Subtract Triggers:

• Eliminate notifications on your phone...better yet, remove 10 apps you don't need.
• Remove junk food from your house....and stop buying it in the first place!
• Avoid bars or restaurants or any other place that tempts you with your vice.

Subtract Drainers

• Reduce your daily "to do list" from 20 to 3. You can do it.
• Reduce/ eliminate time with people who drain you. (If it's your spouse or child, see a counsellor).

Subtract Meaningless Activity

• Unsubscribe to emails you don"t really read or need.
• Scroll less
• Watch less news (PLEASE!)

Last week, where I live, a town wide yard sale was held...uugghhh! The streets were lined up and down, and suddenly, we saw all walks of life going door to door looking for the next great find. With apologies to all you thrifters, is there not a better metaphor for how we love to add to our lives?

If you want a better life...better health, better relationships, more productivity, more energy.

Do the simple math of Subtraction.

Less really is more!

Q. What would you add to the list of things to subtract?

Q. Where will you start today?

Want to talk? Give me a call.

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