Before I share the sequence, let’s be clear that we are not talking about the need to plan a project. We are not talking about the hugely important first two steps of visioning and planning before implementing and then closing out a project. Many of you have heard me go on about my passion around project management. This is life management. This is different. I’m talking about using a mini process in order to make the most of our lives. Be ready. These two steps are deceptively simple.

Here is the sequence plain and straight up:

First, experience and absorb life while you are living your way through any given moment.

Second, allow the experience to pass, mellow in your mind, and then make meaning of it.

I’ve multi-tasked so much and tried to live at warp-speed for so long that I didn’t realize I was converging the two steps into one. I have literally been pushing my system into over drive and consequently missing a juicy mode of operating through life. My speaking coach stopped me in my tracks one day by saying, “Lyn you don’t have to live life and make sense of it all on in one step.” I suspect you have been doing what I have been doing.

I changed. I stopped the madness. I started giving myself time and space to step into the pond of life and fully get my feet wet in a situation. I stopped trying to understand what was happening while I lived it. I started to absorb the experience while I experienced it. After the moment had passed, I began to formulate the meaning. Greater detail and deeper comprehension automatically showed up when I allowed my understanding to come after experiencing. It was amazing how much sense my life’s experiences began to make. I gained greater clarity with zero effort. I lost about 20 pounds of emotional and mental weight. Phew! And it was easy. I just held back judgment and thought for later. I allowed room to let myself act and respond. I trusted that instinct and perception would set in when needed. What a breath of fresh, spring air.

If you want to shed a few pounds of ugly, invisible yet stressful weight, just 1) experience and 2) then allow meaning to emerge. I’m betting you’ll be happier and more prosperous instantly.