Dear Burnt Out Business Woman,
Trust God from the bottom of your heart. Don't try to figure everything out on your own. Proverbs 3:5
Do you hear that? “Don’t try to figure out everything on your own.”
A pain point for you that you might not even know you’re missing is lack of Think Time. You don’t know it’s a problem because you’re so busy going, going, going…and busy-ness is actually your boss! Whoops!! Me too, sister!!
It’s in those moments that I realize it’s time for a dose of Think Time.
What is Think Time? It’s a mixture between prayer, meditation, and blank space. Your brain needs a break! And your spirit needs it, too.
I’m going to teach you how to use this powerful tool to re-center and truly focus on your priorities so you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.
The Enneagram
If you’ve been here for a little while, you’ve probably heard me talk about one of my favorite coaching tools - The Enneagram. It’s a personality test that focuses more on the motivations behind our actions versus the actions themselves (whether you’re an extrovert or introvert - pragmatic or creative).
Learn More About Enneagram Here
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Here’s a little guide as to how you can Work Smarter, Not Harder (using Think Time!) based on your Enneagram number.
Types 8, 9, 1 - Gut Types, Instinct
The inner motivations for the Gut Types are concerned with keeping a resistance to reality. Their actions are centered around making a controlled environment.
The Champion (Type 8) wants to assert their control on the world around them. “I’ve got to help the underdog! I want to make society a better place.”
The Improver (Type 1) asserts their control over themselves. “If I can improve on my processes and get things just right, then I am a good person.”
The Peacemaker (Type 9) vacillates between controlling their environment and themselves. “When there is no conflict--inside or out--I can relax and experience peace.”
All three of these gut types rely on their instincts to make decisions. Some may call this the Holy Spirit, or intuition, or just a feeling.
Do you hear the desire to control across the gut types? This can be a great strength! But, when it’s time to slow down and access some quality Think Time, these types need to access stillness--a break from striving to “fix” things around or inside of themselves.
My tips for the Gut Types & Think Time:
Be present in your body to make wiser decisions.
Close your eyes and do a body scan. Where is there tension or pain?
Add a regular yoga practice to your routine.
Get a massage. Use the time to honor your body and listen to the messages it’s sending to you.
Types 2, 3, 4 - Heart Types, Feelings
The inner motivations for the Heart Types are concerned with developing a positive self-image. Their actions are centered around making sure they are perceived as important.
The Giver (Type 2) is looking for value in meeting the needs of others. “I know I am valuable because others love and appreciate me.”
The Individualist (Type 4) puts their energy and attention inward to maintain a self-image based on feelings, fantasies, and stories from the past. “I know I am valuable because I am unique and unlike anyone else.”
The Achiever (Type 3) seeks value through accomplishment. “I can achieve great things in this world. I am valued because of my awards.”
All three of these heart types rely on their feelings to make decisions. Whether they are super attuned to the feelings of others or of their own inner life, emotions are the guiding light for this triad.
Do you hear the presence of love and attention to emotion across all three types? This can be a great strength! But, when it’s time to slow down and access some quality Think Time, these types need to access solitude--a break from attending to the demanding emotional needs present around them.
My tips for the Heart Types & Think Time:
Take deep breaths and name the exact feeling in your chest before making a decision.
Start a journal. Use it to explore your feelings.
Add a regular meditation practice to your routine.
Spend time alone before making a decision.
Types 5, 6, 7 - Head Types, Thinking
The inner motivations for the Head Types are concerned with finding a sense of inner guidance. Their actions are centered around making sure they are protected.
The Investigator (Type 5) wants to retreat from life in order to gather as much information and data as possible. “I am protected when I have all of the information I need.”
The Enthusiast (Type 7) charges into life and seeks adventure in order to avoid the pain of their inner world. “I am protected when I can plan and look forward to a positive future.”
The Loyalist (Type 6) wants to trust a situation and the outcome. “I am protected when I have planned for every possible scenario and I have a leader that I trust.”
All three of these head types rely on their mind to make decisions. Data, statistics, facts, and trusted opinions are all useful tools in building a strategy and forming beliefs about the world.
Do you hear the brain power and ability for planning across all three types? This can be a great strength! But, when it’s time to slow down and access some quality Think Time, these types need to access silence--a break from the constant flow of data they usually rely on to make decisions.
My tips for Head Types & Think Time:
Gain access to your “quiet mind” and become grounded to make wiser decisions.
Take a walk in nature. Notice your feet on the ground. Gently breathe out racing thoughts.
Take a break from social media and news outlets.
Do a small act of service for someone else.
For All Types
Just 15 minutes a week of Think Time is a thousand times more productive than going round and round in your head.
Take a hot bath.
Hide in your prayer closet.
Go for a walk.
Do a yoga session.
...anything that allows your brain to breathe.
Here’s your permission slip. Take out your calendar and schedule Think Time once a week on repeat for ALL of 2021!!
At the end of the day, Working Smarter, Not Harder really is a bi-product of trusting God.
You don’t need to hustle your way to success everyday.
Take that important task of Think Time as an essential part of your routine and an avenue to allow God access to your thoughts and actions.
Psalm 37:4 Trust in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Trust in God enough to halt the hustle, listen deeply, and follow his lead.
Coach Selena
PS - I have openings for private coaching sessions! If you’re ready to take back power over your time and energy, let’s chat! We can have a simple coaching chat together to answer all of your questions.