Streamlined Solutions
Deborah Johnson, M.A.
Founder at DJWorks Media |Speaker for companies & individuals asking “What’s Next?”
Are streamlined solutions in organization a learned skill or is it just an innate ability to put systems in place? “Simplicity expert” Miriam Oritz y Pino says clutter is only part of the story with clients struggling to break out of self-defeating patterns, keeping them stuck. Many who are experiencing life at mid-career or halftime of life are faced with lots of “stuff” that has been accumulated for many years, both physically and mentally. It can be handed down or passed down from family members who have either downsized or passed.
“Stuff” also refers to “stuff we have to do.” So how do we increase our productivity and eliminate what is not needed to do our best work? We explore that in this article as we approach areas of discernment, structure and consistency, reverse engineering and our desired outcome.
One: Discernment
Discernment involves looking beyond superficial questions like "Does it spark joy?" to evaluate the deeper impact and purpose of the things we allow into our lives. It requires a mindful and intentional approach to determine what truly supports and enhances our goals and well-being. The outcome of such discernment is not just about accumulating items that bring temporary pleasure but rather curating a few meaningful pieces that contribute to a sense of beauty, inspiration, and productivity. This thoughtful selection process ensures that everything in our environment has a positive, enriching effect on our lives.
What do you genuinely need? By focusing on quality over quantity, and on the intrinsic value rather than just the surface appeal, you create a space that nurtures creativity, focus, and well-being. This means surrounding yourself with elements that inspire, calm, and energize you, allowing you to perform at your highest level and live a life aligned with your deepest aspirations.
Project: Create a space where you can just “be”
Two: Structure and Consistency
Creating structure and consistency in your life begins with understanding the systems, or frameworks, that underpin your daily routines and goals. Start small by identifying one area of your life that could benefit from more structure, such as your morning routine or work schedule. Implement simple, repeatable actions that can become habits over time. This incremental approach allows you to build a strong foundation without becoming overwhelmed.
Consistently making choices that align with your goals reinforces positive patterns and reduces the mental effort required over time. Flexibility is also crucial; while structure provides a roadmap, adaptability ensures you can adjust to changes and unexpected challenges. Miriam emphasizes that by deleting the "should" from your life, you eliminate unnecessary pressure and guilt, focusing instead on what genuinely serves your well-being and progress.
Project: implement at least one new tiny habit to do daily or on a weekly basis
Three: Reverse Engineering
To start, clearly define your objectives, such as generating income for the next month or quarter. This clarity allows you to identify the specific tasks and resources needed to reach your financial targets. Rather than vaguely planning for "someday," set concrete timelines and milestones with actionable steps.
For effective reverse engineering, it's crucial to understand every aspect of your workflow, from the tools and containers you use to the storage areas that support your processes. Knowing the outcome you desire ensures that every component of your system is aligned with your goals. By focusing on immediate and short-term goals, you maintain momentum and motivation, steadily progressing towards your larger objectives. This methodical strategy not only brings clarity and direction but also increases the likelihood of success in your endeavors.
Project: identify or review both your long-term and short-term goals. Download our FREE goal worksheets
Four: Desired Outcome
The desired outcome of freedom, particularly through financial independence, is a state where one has the autonomy to live life on their own terms. Financial independence means having enough resources to support your lifestyle without relying on a traditional job. It involves strategic planning, saving, investing, and making informed decisions that align with long-term goals.
In the pursuit of this freedom, discernment and simplification play a crucial role. It involves making intentional choices about what you keep in your life and what you let go. Everybody eventually needs to get rid of most everything that doesn't serve their ultimate goals and well-being. This process of letting go is not just about physical possessions but also about shedding unnecessary commitments and distractions. By focusing on what truly matters and what will allow you to do everything you want to do, you create a streamlined and purposeful life.
Project: Define one item or activity in your life you can “let go” to gain more freedom.
Application
Applying streamlined solutions to your life involves integrating discernment, creating structure and consistency, reverse engineering, and aiming for the desired outcome. Review each application project.
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Discernment: Create a space where you can just “be”
Structure and Consistency: implement at least one new tiny habit to do daily or on a weekly basis
Reverse Engineering: identify or review both your long-term and short-term goals.
Desired Outcome: Define one item or activity in your life you can “let go” to gain more freedom.
Ensure that every decision and action align with your vision, from financial planning to lifestyle choices. Embrace a streamlined solutions minimalist mindset, keeping only what supports your journey to freedom. This holistic approach not only simplifies your life but also empowers you to pursue your passions and live with intention and purpose.
Additional Resources
Books:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything by BJ Fogg, PhD
The Life-Changing Habit of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo?
Articles:
Spring Cleaning for the Brain by Deborah Johnson
Free Resources:
For more informative articles: https://goalsforyourlife.com/blog
Our Guest
Miriam Ortiz y Pino, Simplicity Expert, is a Certified Professional Organizer and Money Breakthrough Business Coach. She works with busy, creative entrepreneurs to connect organization, productivity and money mindset, so that they can build wealth while using essential flexible systems that let them do their best work and live a more satisfying life.
The Host
DEBORAH JOHNSON, M.A. has 25+ years working as an entertainer, composer, producer, author and speaker. Her keynote, "The Hero Inside" stirs audiences to not settle for merely playing as an accompanist to their dreams. Rather, it is to call upon everything they have inside to be soloist & center stage in pursuing & accomplishing their dreams and potential. This can include pursuing a new avenue or expanding on a current area of business, especially at mid-career or the halftime of life. Get more free downloads & links at: DJWorks. Websites: DeborahJohnsonSpeaker.com; GoalsForYourLife.com; DJWorksMusic.com