Creative Subtraction & Why You Should Try It!
Posted on July 18, 2023 by Stephanie Casaubon, PCC, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
You’re barely keeping your head above water, and despite having the same 24 hours as everyone else, you can’t quite figure out why you have ZERO time.
You know the feeling…
Like you’re barely keeping your head above water.
Maybe you’re drowning in obligations.
Spiraling in a sea of to do(s).
And despite having the same 24 hours as everyone else, you can’t quite figure out why you consistently have zero time.
Why you feel so depleted.
You must be missing some secret right?
So you try time management hacks.
You attempt to build new habits.
Anything~!
The thing is, despite your best efforts, you only end up adding to your plate.
And then you add some more.
But what about the alternative?
What if the solution you really need is removing something?
Like a sculpter, woodworker or designer, what if the answer is simply chipping away or cutting out anything that doesn’t serve.
A good old purge.
What if the way forward in this moment is : Creative Subtraction.
What would it mean for you to pass on the: next hack, next meeting, next trip, next workshop, next invitation, next request of any kind etc. ?
OR
What if it’s not external demands out there that are weighing you down?
Maybe it’s internal heaviness …
Frustrations over unmet expectations that something isn’t turning out like you’d hoped.
Guilt around decisions that could have had a different outcome.
What about ALL the unreleased emotions taking up space which are no longer serving you… ?
Whatever it is — this month, my challenge is to get out the chisel.
And if you’re wondering where to begin, consider the following questions (in order of difficulty to answer) :
1- What’s not working for me ? (beginner)
2- What am I saying yes to that’s not a 10/10 in my life? (intermediate)
3- How am I keeping myself in perpetual “busy” mode? (advanced)
Because, without judgment, the answers will be your truth.
And perhaps what you come up with is a permanent nix.
Perhaps it’s just a “no” for right now.
Time will tell.
The most important thing is to lean into your own intuition.
Be honest with yourself.
And redefine your boundaries in order to reveal the truest version of you.
Because that version, deserves to break free!
Stephanie Casaubon is a professional coach, writer and public speaker specializing in life up-leveling. Her expertise lies in empowering her clients to unlock new possibilities, live into their potential and find lasting fulfillment.
