Is Candy-Crushing Your Dreams?

I have a candy-crushing confession. There was a time that I spent 3 hours a week playing that addictive app. Late adopter that I was this new fascination started to take over my life just as I was starting to grow my business. As I worked on Design You Coaching ideas and possible ventures I'd get so excited my head would start spinning - and to calm down that electric sensation I would play that mind-numbing game. The problem is not the game itself, the issue is that the feeling of creativity and excitement became a cue for game time. If you've read the book The Power of Habit  by Charles Duhigg, then you know I was in a dangerous zone!! 

That candy was crushing my dreams!! My brain had created an unhealthy pattern that work time meant game time.  Ever notice right when you're fiercely working on a goal rocking it out then "suddenly" you're distracted or tired and decide you deserve a break? 
If so, that means candy is crushing you dreams too! Your candy crusher may not be a smart phone app, it can be the time you spend checking FB, Tweeting, or watching the latest Scandal marathon! Twenty minutes here, two hours there, and before you know it you could have easily spent a  whole day a week working on your career, relationships or your body! 

The next time your brain is on fire with that intense feeling and burst of energy - say when you're writing or working on a new business idea, trust that your body will go into flight or fight mode, and that's okay.  Remember your body may not be comfortable with the actual physical sensation or even discomfort you feel when stepping outside your comfort zone. Moving your life in a different direction is not always a comfortable and easy process. Embrace the uneasy feeling and trust that if creativity felt like the mundane we'd never push the envelope or challenge the status quo.

Here are three easy ways you can make sure game time doesn't infringe on life time:

• Move your body. Work for a full 60 minutes then break for 10.  Do some deep breathing, move around or stretch.
• Play for one life. If you want to play your favorite game, then you get one round, one life, one distracted moment.
• Schedule a play date. Like with kids, finish all your work first then go play for 30 minutes. 
  

If you have other ideas for staying on track, be sure to leave a comment below.

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