Life Coaching Tip for Writers: Pay Yourself First

If you've ever read an article on how to save money, you've probably come across this common investment advice: "pay yourself first."

Work, household, family, writing...every day you have an array of "accounts" on which to spend your life energy.  What choices have you been making?  

Are you paying yourself first?

In my life coaching practice, I've found that as writers learn to prioritize their personal well-being, they begin to enjoy more focus and energy when they write.  (Our actions off-the-page affect our efforts  when we write.)

As clients begin to "pay themselves first," their lives become a bit more balanced. They begin to feel more empowered, more optimistic.  On track.  These positive effects creates a sense of momentum and possibility, creating ideal conditions for making further changes.

"Paying yourself first" doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated, even.  Simply,

1. Choose a self-caring act, and do it every day.
2. Do it mindfully, with explicit intention.  ("Today I am investing in my own well-being.") 

Can 5-10 minutes of intentional self-care really make a difference, you might ask?  Try it for yourself and see. 

Here are a few very simple ideas to get you started.  

• Jot down a quick list of "5 Things I'm Grateful For" 
• Perform a 5-minute round of calisthenics
• Fill a page with notes, quotes or sketches related to your big-picture goals or dreams
• Sit quietly for 5 breaths before logging onto the computer or beginning to read the morning paper
• Straighten the house before bed

photo credit:  electrofantastic

Comments

[Rebecca Laffar-Smith]

When I think of "Pay Yourself First" I'm often drawn to the financial aspects. As a freelancer, I've often found myself reinvesting income back into the business and paying business expenses first. Then I get what is left over, if anything. This, of course, is just NOT an effective way to work. "Pay Yourself First" and if what is left after paying your employee's wages isn't enough focus on increasing your businesses income. *Makes note to put this in practice.*

More important than money is to pay ourselves with time. I like to make sure I get my 30 minute gym workout each weekday morning and always feel fantastic to have that time to focus on just me!

I used to keep a gratitude journal and want to get back to this as well as an accomplishment journal where I congratulate myself on every single little thing I achieved each day. Both did amazing things for me when I took time for myself to write in them every day.

Thank you, Marla!

[Marla]

Natalia, if you've ever suffered through gym class, I'll bet you've done more calisthenics than you realize! ;-)

Thanks for stopping by & taking a moment to comment.

I'm intrigued by your 12 min. yoga routine and look forward to checking it out. Some of my favorite yoga DVDs are the AM/PM series with Patricia Walden and Rodney Yee (by Gaiam). Are you familiar with these?

You make a very good point re: more self-care time being ideal. When I'm coaching clients to make changes, sometimes 10 minutes is all they can manage at first. (And honestly, as a mom of a very active toddler, some days that's the most time I can manage, as well.) I think it's important to get into the habit first, and build on this success in time.

Appreciated you mentioning humor, too. So true!

Thanks again for stopping by.
-Coach Marla

[Natalia]

This is wonderful. You are right - it is so crucial to "pay yourself first" - as counterproductive as it can sound!

Making a "5 Things I'm Grateful For" list can be quite nourishing.

I need even more than what you mentioned, though: 30-60 mins of yoga every day or most days to feel generally calm. And I need to laugh! To laugh by reading hilarious blogs and watching silly comedies - perhaps especially before hitting the sack.

Also, 12 minutes of morning yoga makes a hell of a difference (this is my favorite morning yoga routine so far: http://blog.yogatoday.com/2008/12/15/morning-wake-up-sequence/) Let me know what you think if you try it! :)

I've never done calisthenics. I'll look it up. Thanks!