Time and money – the root of most procrastination. “How long will it take me to accomplish said goal?” (or how complicated is it) and “How much will it cost me?” Sometimes these are really hard to answer so the idea just gets swept under the rug.
In the case of the new social paradigm we’re creating, the challenges are daunting. With any daunting challenge, procrastination kicks in. Where to start?! So many things to work on, and so little time and money!
Ahhh… but wait we do have the time – it’s right now. And money, well, what is going to create real social revolution requires no money at all. It’s simply a shift within each individual. Perhaps you think that simplifies it too much. These are some of the ways I’ve found myself contributing to a larger social revolution. These have cost me very little time or money, and all provide powerful returns. May you have as much fun with them as I have!
1. Walk to a place you need to go. It’s easy for me to drive to the gym. It’s also easy to run there or walk or bike. Each day I’m confronted with the option. Interestingly, when I choose Ped Power, I always feel better. The fresh air… ahh!
2. Camp in the woods. Within an hour of your house there is probably a rural campground. Pack up the car, drive out there, pick a spot, start a fire, roast some grub, and admire the stars. This one may cost a bit of money, but think of it as an investment for your soul.
3. Grow some food. I’ve had friends and family grow vegetables in pots on their condo patio, several levels above ground. You can get your hands into soil, and home grown into your belly just about anywhere.
4. Barter a skill. Everyone has something to offer, and there is always someone who will find value in it. I’ve bartered coaching for free WiFi in the past. We trade babysitting nights with neighbors. Bartering creates a social IOU that can only be redeemed through another social interaction. How cool is that? It’s the original currency.
5. Gift something. This can be anything, but the idea is that it comes from deep within your heart. It’s not just getting rid of something in your house. My favorite gift to give is a heart-felt letter, deeply intentional and pointed. My wife has gifted homemade yogurt, pillows, and baked goods. Yum!
6. Meditate. This is the root of it all. You can do it where you are right now. No exceptions.
7. Run. After a good jog, my mind feels like my teeth after brushing them with mint toothpaste. It almost always cures what ails me.
8. Be Present in Conversation. All you need to do is listen to the person talking. When you find your mind drifting, notice, and bring yourself back to their words. Let them finish their thought. Then say your part. Be with them.
9. Appreciate. Most likely you don’t do this enough. I know I don’t. There’s so much to be thankful for but if we don’t do it then we just “take it for granted.” Take 5 minutes at the end of your day to write down 5 things you’re appreciative of. Do this for a week and see if you recognize a difference. Each time I remember to do this, and get in the habit, life lightens up.
10. Envision the world you want to be part of. Take some time to dream up the ideal world (not your personal life, but the world at large). Keep doing it. We need that vision out there in the ether. If we can get enough people thinking positive visions privately, then eventually we’ll all be pulled in that direction and we’ll have created it.
11. Surround yourself with people you admire. Invite them on walks, engage them in The Conversation. According to Paul Ray’s study, most of us Cultural Creatives think we’re alone… but we’re not!
12. Host salons (group conversation over topics of choice). I stood in a bar one evening months ago, surrounded by hundreds of people. I consciously detached myself from any particular conversation, and released my focus on any particular sight. I just tried to take it all in. As I floated there, it became clear to me that within a matter of minutes a small book’s worth of information was exchanged just in that bar. In that minute across the world, the equivalent of thousands of novels must have been exchanged. There was a cacophony of conversation. It was stunning and beautiful. Now imagine channeling all of that energy on a specific topic, for a short period of time, in a group setting. That is a salon. They’re awesome. Try one!
13. Read all that you can online or in library books. There are your local people you can surround yourself with, and then there are those whose thoughts exist online and in books. All of my life changing realizations were either received from or bolstered by books or articles that I’ve read. We are social creatures and we seek validation, regardless of how self-assured we may be.
14. Smell the roses. Don’t forget to stop from time to time to smell the roses.
May you have a wonderful day!
P.S. You know, if it’s been a while since we communicated and you’re still reading this blog, or if you’re new to it, I would love to hear from you. It’s always helpful to feel the connection. Looking forward to it.