Getting Old Business finished is one of the best ways to start a new year. When you have things that are unfinished, whether you are aware of it or not, you are always carrying them in the back of your mind. Think of them as a backpack; you can?t see it but you know it is there. Once is a while, you become aware of the weight of it, but since life is busy you just push old business out of your mind and don?t deal with it. This not only takes up mental energy that you are using to hold the business, but it takes physical energy. When the body has been using up energy for too long, it wears down.
Some kinds of old business that people often carry around include:
- Unresolved relationships: whenever you think of someone, you become irritated, upset or sad
- Unfinished projects: these can be in the house, for your career, educational degrees
- Incomplete self-care: thinking you should exercise more, get a blood pressure test, stop drinking so much soda
The major thoughts behind not completing old business include:
- It’s too difficult. I could never finish that
- It’s too upsetting to think about it or deal with it
- I don’t know how to finish it
- I can’t afford to do what I need to in order to complete it
- I don’t have time
- I am not sure if I want to finish it
Starting the new year by finishing old business will give you more energy and health than you could have dreamed possible. Look honestly at the three kinds of old unfinished business and make a list of your baggage. Then decide to:
- Finish it
- Delegate it
- Remove it from your “to do” list
- Put it on hold
- Forgive It
- Release It
The last option may be necessary if you don’t have all the information you need at this time to conclude the business. Keep this list short and have a timeline for when you plan to come back to it. Mark it on your calendar. In this way, you will be able to finish it mentally and know that there is a plan for completion.
When it comes to personal relationships, writing a letter or making a call to resolve anything that feels incomplete may be daunting, but it is worth the effort. At least, write the letter and tear it up, even if you don’t plan to send it. Getting things off your chest (or back!) can make a world of difference.
To find out more about uncluttering you life, try working with a relaxation technique that will allow you to unclutter your mind at the end of the day so that old business does not build up. Relaxation for Adults and Children offers a daily soothing release from thoughts, worries and ideas that effect sleep and health in a negative way.
Let go of old baggage. Do the work now. Start the year without all of the old trunks and you too may reduce your load to one small overnight bag!!
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