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12 Signs You Lack Clarity In Your Life

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12 Signs You Lack Clarity In Your Life

Clarity is essential for achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life. What happens when you lack clarity?

Well, you may experience frustration, indecision, lack of motivation, and other negative emotions. GenuLines reminds you that there are ways to overcome obstacles to gain clarity in life.

glasses for clarity

Here are 12 signs you lack clarity in your life:

 

1.    Frustration

One of the signs that you’re lacking clarity is feeling frustrated. You may feel like you’re working hard, but you’re not making progress, or you’re unsure what to do next.

To overcome frustration, take a step back and check your situation. Ask yourself if you’re clear about your goals and what steps to take to achieve them.

If not, take some time to clarify your goals and create a plan of action.

2.    Indecision

It may seem that you’re unable to choose between many options, or you’re not sure what direction to take. So, gather more information and weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Consider what’s most important and which option aligns with your values and goals.

3.    Not Knowing Where to Begin

If you’re unsure where to begin, it could be a sign that you lack clarity. This is overwhelming, but breaking things down into smaller steps is key.

Start by identifying the first step you must take, then focus on that one task. Once you complete it, move on to the next step.

4.    Not Trusting Your Decisions

When you lack clarity, you may second-guess your decisions. This can lead to a lack of trust in yourself and your abilities.

To overcome this, take the time to reflect on your values and goals. Make decisions that align with these, and trust that you’re making the right choices.

5.    Being Unproductive or Procrastinating

Feeling that you’re unproductive or procrastinating could mean you lack clarity. Identifying and addressing the root cause of your procrastination is essential.

Is it because you don’t know where to begin or are unsure what steps to take next? Once you identify the cause, take steps to overcome it.

6.    Inconsistent Effort

Inconsistent effort to achieve your goals can be a sign that you lack clarity. This could be due to not having a clear plan or not being clear about your goals.

To overcome this, create a plan with specific, measurable goals and action steps. Track your progress and adjust as needed.

7.    Lack of Motivation

When you lack clarity, you may feel unmotivated and uninspired. To overcome this, take some time to reflect on your values and goals.

Reconnect with your why and remind yourself of the bigger picture. Break down everything into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your progress.

8.    Overwhelm and Burnout

Feeling overwhelmed and burned out can be a signal, too. It’s essential to discover the cause of this overwhelm and take steps to address it.

This could be delegating tasks or saying no to commitments that don’t align with your goals. It can also mean taking time for self-care.

9.    Feeling Stuck

If you’re feeling stuck, it could show that you lack clarity. Take some time to reflect on what’s holding you back.

Is it a lack of knowledge or resources, or are you unsure what steps to take? Once you identify the root cause, take steps to overcome it.

10. Low energy

Identifying and addressing the root cause of your low energy is vital. This could include getting more rest, eating a healthier diet, or reducing stress.

These can make positive impacts on your mental clarity and focus.

11. Decreased Focus and Concentration

When you lack clarity, you may struggle to focus and concentrate on tasks. This could be due to feeling overwhelmed or not knowing where to begin.

To overcome this, break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, focusing on one thing at a time. Create a distraction-free environment and give yourself regular breaks to recharge.

12. Negative Self-Talk

If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s hard to stay positive. To overcome this, practice positive self-talk and affirmations.

Focus on your strengths and achievements.

And make sure to remind yourself that you’re capable of achieving your goals.

JohnK 1-15-2024

chiforyourself.com

stick man hears about clarityOverheard: “Children are remarkable for their intelligence and ardor, for their curiosity, their intolerance of shams, the clarity and ruthlessness of their vision”

~Aldous Huxley

Article image by engin akyurt on Unsplash

disclaimer for clarity

Why Do We Avoid Certain Tasks?

There’s no getting around some tasks. You can dodge them all you want and yet there they are. 

It’s a challenge that GenuLines is happy to take on with a look at why they happen. 

Why Do We Avoid Certain Tasks?

List of tasks to do
 
 
Do you find yourself dreading a particular task in your life every time you have to complete it? Do you often wonder why you avoid that task?
 
There are several reasons humans avoid completing specific tasks. These can vary from person to person.
 
 
 
 
 
 
You Don’t Think You’ll Have Fun
One of the main reasons people avoid certain tasks is that they don’t believe that they’ll enjoy them. Or it could be that they’ve performed the task before and didn’t have fun.
 
Humans generally want to avoid doing things that lead to unhappiness. This is especially true when they see the task at hand may be especially difficult or complex.
 
Fatigue
When you’re tired, you’ll generally avoid certain tasks. Even if you usually have fun doing them.
 
This is because you’re tired and need to get some rest.
 
If you find yourself avoiding a task because you feel exhausted, then it’s time to get some rest. Try to do it later. It’s tough to focus when fatigue sets in.
 
It could lead you to become distracted as an avoidance tactic for certain tasks.
 
You Don’t Think You’ll Do Well
Fear of failure is another big reason that people will avoid certain tasks. Often, they’re afraid of looking bad.
 
Or they want to avoid the embarrassment they might feel. This fear of failure is quite common but it’s one of the easier fears to overcome.
 
The remedy usually is the result of working on self-confidence and self-acceptance.
 
Medical Conditions
Several conditions such as anxiety and depression can lead you to avoid what you want to do. Although this may sound bad, treatment of the underlying condition is possible.
 
And this can help you find your motivation to follow through.
 
The reasons on this list may vary, but they all boil down to a shortage of motivation. If this is the case with you then start by realizing that you lack motivation.
 
Once you do, you can start paving your road to the future with real motivation.
 
JohnK 10-11-2021
 
Stick figure hears about tasksOverheard: “The hardest task needs the lightest hand or else its completion will not lead to freedom but to a tyranny much worse than the one it replaces”
                             ~Socrates
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer about tasks
 
 
 

Are You a Prisoner of Procrastination?

We don’t like to admit to our procrastination. We say and do things that make us feel that we’re not doing it. 

It’s a habit that GenuLines wants to help you break. 

Are You a Prisoner of Procrastination?

Procrastination is a thief. It robs you of precious minutes and hours, before you realize they’re gone.
 
procrastination spelled outYou wonder where the time went but it’s too late.
 
You intended to complete al task today but put it off until tomorrow. And there was good reason to do so, or so you thought.
 
 
 

False Faces

Procrastination comes in many disguises. Sometimes it’s called rationalization.
 
You say, “I didn’t get started on that project because the weather was too hot or I didn’t have all the parts.” You can always come up with good reasons to delay a project.
 
Procrastination can become a habit. Put off forming new habits and it will be your constant companion.

Priorities?

We find ways to delay a task because there are other things more important to do. These are usually excuses.
 
Like checking your email. Or playing an on-line game.
 
Or surfing the TV to see if you’re missing something interesting.
 

Decisions Decisions

You must recognize a real reason to delay as opposed to an excuse not to do something you don’t want to do. Ask yourself if you need to do that job.
 
If so then get it done and then reward yourself for a victory over procrastination. When the job is complete, step back and assess what you’ve done to see if it was worth the time and effort.
 
It could be you were procrastinating for good reason, but that’s rarely the case. Lack of direction can cause you to procrastinate because you’re not sure what to do next.

It Starts Here

Disorganization is a kind of father of procrastination. Get organized with a to-do list with the most urgent at the top.
 
Make a deal with yourself that you won’t do anything else until you do at least one thing on the list. You can make giant strides with tiny steps.
 
Huge projects can be daunting whether you’re writing a book or building a house. You can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel because the elephant is standing in the way.
 
Cut a slice out of that elephant one day at a time and soon it’ll be gone.

Be Decisive

Make a decision on what needs to done and do it. Even if it’s wrong at least you’ve done something.
 
Indecision can cause major delays in both your business and personal live. It’s easier to make a decision if you create a list of the pros and cons of what you must do.
 
Once you have a clear direction, your mind clears and the path opens up.
 

Fear

Fear of failure can cause procrastination. The failure lies in never getting started.
 
Difficult and dreaded tasks are rarely as bad as they seem at the beginning. Stop procrastinating today.
 
Don’t put it off until tomorrow.
 
JohnK 7-12-2021
 
stick man hears about procrastinationOverheard: “Procrastination is opportunity’s assassin”
                                ~Victor Kiam
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for procrastination
 
 

Kick Your Procrastination to The Curb

Procrastination leaves you with questions. Maybe you wonder where the time went, and eventually where the years went. 

So today GenuLines looks at how time and opportunities slip away, and some ways you can change this. 

(Listen to this article by clicking here)

Kick Your Procrastination to The Curb

Procrastination is a thief. It will rob you of precious minutes and hours before you realize they’re gone.
 
You put off the task you intended to complete today. There was good reason to do it, but right now you can’t remember why.
 
Procrastination comes in many disguises. Sometimes it’s called rationalization.
 
You didn’t get started on that project because the weather was too hot. Or you didn’t have all the parts to finish the job.
 
You can always come up with good reasons to delay a project.
 
Procrastination as a habit
When you put off correcting this it becomes your constant companion. You find ways to delay a task because there are other things more important to do.
 
bee doing procrastinationThere are lots of excuses.
 
Like checking your email. Playing an on-line game.
 
Or turning on the TV to see if you’re missing something interesting.
 
 
 
 
You have to recognize a real reason you delay as opposed to an excuse not to do something you don’t want to do. Ask yourself if that job needs to get done. and if your answer is yes then get it done and then reward yourself for a victory over procrastination.
 
When the job is complete, step back and assess what you’ve done to see if it was worth the time and effort. Could be you were procrastinating for good reason, but that’s rarely the case.
 
Lack of direction can cause you to procrastinate because you’re not sure what to do next.

Disorganization

This could be the father of procrastination. Get organized with a to-do list, putting the most urgent at the top.
 
Make a deal with yourself that you cannot do anything else until you finish at least one thing on the list. You can make giant strides with tiny steps.
 
Big projects can be daunting whether you’re writing a book or building a house. Break them into sections.
 
A small manageable task is much more palatable than trying to swallow the entire project. No matter how small the success it’s another step toward completion.
 
Decide what needs done and do it. Even if it’s done wrong at least you’ve done something.
 
Indecision
Indecision can cause major delays in both your business and personal life. It’s easier to make a decision if you make a list of project pros and cons.
 
Once you have a clear direction, your mind clears and the way opens up.
 
Fear of failure can cause procrastination. But, the failure lies in never getting started.
 
Difficult and dreaded tasks are rarely as bad as they seem at the beginning. Stop procrastinating today.
 
Don’t put it off until tomorrow.
 
JohnK 1-8-2021
 
stick figure man hears about procrastinationOverheard:  “Life, as it is called, is for most of us one long postponement”
                                  .~ Henry Miller
 
 
 
Article image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay 
 
disclaimer for talking about procrastination
 

4 Solid Ways To Stop Procrastination

Procrastination.

I do it.

You do it.

The fact is, we do it more often than we like to admit.

So GenuLines urges you to get moving on some ways to stop procrastinating.

(You can listen to this article by clicking HERE)

4 Solid Ways To Stop Procrastination

Procrastination is more than turning in school or work projects late.
It can also include putting off important life decisions.

Like whether to ask your boss for the raise promised you last month. Or whether you should join a gym, or end a relationship, or have a baby.man shows procrastination

The list of possibilities is endless.

The effect of not dealing with this can be life-long. Your relationships, career, and health might all take a hit.

 

 

But the tendency is to put things off until later. There’s always tomorrow, right?

It won’t be easy but try to identify the stress factor behind your procrastination. It could be fear of failure, fear of confrontation, fear of not being perfect.

You are your own worst critic.

Follow these tips to help you avoid procrastination once and for all.

1. Turn burdensome tasks into habits

We all have enough willpower to get about 3 or 4 tasks done each day. Turn yours into habits rather than mundane tasks.

You’ll give it less thought, and rely less on willpower. You won’t fall into the procrastination rut.

Why not turn healthy eating, daily exercise, or turning in reports ahead of time into daily habits, too? Procrastination is all about taking that dreaded first step.

So why not ease into it knowing that in time, or once you’ve finished X, you can watch videos or head outdoors.

2. Break work tasks into chunks

Instead of cleaning out the entire garage, do the right side first. Take a break.

Then do the left side. Take a break, and then finish off the rest.

At work, big tasks may seem daunting when you look at them as a whole. The answer?

Break them down into smaller tasks. Make an outline of the entire project, and then divide it into smaller tasks.

Working in 30-minute increments also helps break down tasks into smaller chunks. Those are manageable and not so intimidating.

After the 30 minutes, take a break and assess your work. Seeing how much you’ve accomplished will give you that boost of confidence you need to keep at it.

3. Remove distractions

Checking your email every 5 minutes isn’t doing you any good. So, once you’ve committed to doing the job, limit distractions by putting your away.

You can find apps that help you stay on track, but some will say that’s completely missing the point.

The important thing is that you set up a certain time for checking emails or your social media. Once you’ve started your task, you avoid the urge to take a sneak peak.

Another serious distraction is multi-tasking. Even though it may seem that you’re being productive, the truth is it wastes time and energy.

Yes you’re working more. But your end results will be below average.

4. Work during your peak hours

We all have certain times during the day when we’re most alert. Some of us are morning people, some are night owls, and some have more energy during the afternoon hours.

Find out what your peak hours are and tackle your most difficult tasks then. You’ll be more of a powerhouse then with your brain working at its highest capacity.

Procrastination is different than laziness. When you procrastinate, you delay one task for a more pleasurable activity.

So why not turn that mundane task you’re dreading into something more fun and enjoyable? Then you’ll put the brakes on procrastination.

JohnK 9-7-2020
chiforyourself.com home

stick figure man hears about procrastinationOverheard: “Procrastination is opportunity’s assassin”
                                      ~ Victor Kiam

 

 

 

 

Article image by Sam Solomon on Unsplash

 

disclaimer for procrastination

Computer Code Uses Routine – And It Works

Having a routine can help your life go a lot smoother. GenuLines borrows from computer science to give you a template for setting up your own routine.

call to action for routine

Computer Code Uses Routine – And It Works

Ever write computer code? It’s an effective way of creating routines. These snippets of code can repeat the running of certain functions or processes.
 
They prevent coders from having to write redundant code each time they need it. It’s an efficient way to code and saves countless hours for programmers.
 
binary code shows routine
 
From the machine’s perspective, it will run successfully every time you call it. This assumes the code is well-written and bug-free.
 
With the program loaded the device runs the routines on command.
 
Humans try to create routines for themselves. They write down processes that they handle on a frequent basis.
 
For instance, you might pay your bills on the same day every month.
 
You have a system for how you do it. You follow a step-by-step procedure to organize the eventual payment of bills.
 
The routines that you set up for yourself help you to keep an orderly flow to the work at hand. But unlike a machine, you are subject to error.
 
That’s part of the human equation.
 
You can’t help it, and this means that your routines are fallible. While it may be annoying, it’s reasonable because you’re human.
 
Sometimes, we try to use machines to automate as much of our routine as we can.
Routine and Your BIlls
Let’s take a closer look at bill paying. Rather than send checks you can automate your bank payments on a specified date.
 
In most cases, all goes well and your bills get paid on time. But, what if you forgot to deposit enough funds into your account?
 
Your automatic payment will fail.
 
This issue shouldn’t discourage you from automating your life. You need to realize that there is room for error.
 
Be ready when errors occur.
 
While the banking example is trivial, others may not. For instance, suppose someone in your company is leaving. and they transfer an automated process over to your control.
 
The process works well for a while, and then one day, it blows up on you.
 
Your company is depending on you to get the work done. You never learned the manual completion of the automated process.
 
And you don’t know anything about coding.
 
As you can see, routines are great. But they have their limitations.
 
Be aware of those limitations and make sure you have steps in place should your plan not work for you.
 
JohnK 8-6-2019
 
stick man hearing of routineOverheard:  “Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine”
                          ~Shunryu Suzuki
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer concerning routine

Let Your Daily Routine Move You Toward Success

Spontaneity is a lot more fun than routine. It helps to mix things up and keeps life interesting.
 
But too much spontaneity can lead to an unstructured way of life. Some people love that, but most find would find that difficult to maintain.
 
Today GenuLines asks you to take a look at or set up your daily routine.
 
 
call to action for routine

 

Setting Your Daily Routine

For starters, enough sleep is important for proper function. If you don’t have a routine, it’s not likely you will get the right amount of sleep every night.
 
a boy's sleeping routine

Your body needs to have its internal clock set to the same sleep habits.
 
What if you don’t have those things in place? You might find it difficult to go to sleep at night.
 
Or you’ll wake up from time to time during the night.
 
 
 
To help you get to sleep faster, make sure you go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time in the morning. Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol as this will disrupt your sleep.
 
You may fall asleep easier, but you will not go into a deep sleep. That deep sleep interrupts your internal rhythm, and you may not be able to fall back to sleep.
 
Snoozing over screening
Try to limit the use of electronic devices before you go to bed. Studies tell us devices such as laptops and tablets stimulate your visual senses. This makes it tougher to sleep.
 
You should have a routine for your diet, too. If you don’t set up the right diet and eat at the same time daily, you will likely have digestion issues.
 
Your erratic schedule has a downside, too. That’s because your body’s inability to regulate can cause weight gain issues.
 
An article about routines would be incomplete if it didn’t cover getting exercise. Exercise is also the one element where many people have a problem being consistent.
 
But a routine here can be a stress-buster. And it can bring better sleep.
 
You don’t have to incorporate intense exercise. Take a daily or every other day walk.
 
Then you can check off a big part of your exercise need.
 
Find the routines that work for you, and work hard to stick with them. Routines are habits, and it takes some effort to develop habits to the point where you don’t even think about them.
 
There’s room for some spontaneous activity, which everyone needs once-in-a-while. Don’t try to make major changes all at once.
 
Small changes are best since it’s easier to succeed with them.
 
JohnK 5-28-2019
 
 
stickman looking for routineOverheard: “The only routine with me is no routine at all”:   
                                      ~Jackie Kennedy
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for routine
 
 
 

Why It’s Good To Keep A Household Budget

budget dollars

You work hard to earn a living. So it’s best to make wise decisions when you spend that money. That’s where a household budget comes in.

A budget has obvious advantages. Like seeing at a glance what we have coming in, what’s going out (and what that money is paying for). You also get an idea if there’s anything left at the end of the month to put into savings.

 

Before we dive into exactly what a budget can do for us, let’s consider a few points. What will happen if we’re not tracking income and expenses?

You may end up spending more than you’re making in a given month (or two, or three). Over time that can put you into some pretty hot financial water. You may also spend a lot more than you’d like to believe on things like eating out, going to the movies or new clothes.

Having a budget gives you more control over your true spending wishes. That could be dinner and a movie, or not. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an actual choice?

A Budget Tracks Where Your Money Is Going

A budget’s only job is to track your money. You record where the money comes from each month (your income) and then write out everything you spend it on.

Start with your regular monthly bills. These include your mortgage or rent, utility bills etc.

What’s left is your discretionary income.

A Budget Helps You Spot Wasted Money

Having it all in front of you in black and white helps you identify things you’re wasting your money on.

Budgeting forces you to reconsider if you want to spend well over $200 a month on Cable TV. Or $150 on your large cell phone plan. Or how about that yearly magazine subscription to something you no longer read? Go through your expenses and reevaluate if this is REALLY how you want to spend your paycheck.

A Budget Allows You To Be Proactive About Savings

Saving money without a budget is hard. We go in with the best of intentions at the beginning of the month. But somehow there isn’t anything left at the end of the month.

A budget gives you a chance to be a bit more proactive. Set aside some money for savings at the beginning of the month, even a small amount like $20.

Put it in the budget as a regular expense, much like you do with your other urgent bills. If you need to, open a separate savings account so you’re not tempted to spend it.

A Budget Ensures You’re Not Spending More Than You’re Making

Your budget will keep you on track and help you avoid overspending. And I don’t have to tell you that that’s pretty important for your financial well-being.

JohnK 9-25-2017
chiforyourself.com home page

 

Image for overheard for budgetOverheard: ““While money can’t buy happiness, it certainly lets you choose your own form of misery.” 
                                        ~ Groucho Marx

 

 

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Do You Have A Financial Safety Net? (And How To Build One)

 
Do you have a financial safety net? It’s something worth thinking about and setting up. What will happen to you and your loved ones if you lose your job for a few months?
 
What if you get into an accident that prevents you from earning a living? Or what if some unexpected expenses come up. Do you have anything in place to make sure the bills continue to get paid?
 
If not, now is the time to get started. But where do you actually start?
 
financial help ideas
 
Three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved in an interest-bearing account is a good start. Figure out what your family needs to live on if all income stops. Then start saving as much money as you can until you have built up this safety net.
 
Trim expenses for eating out, going to the movies, buying the newest TV and Tech gadget and the like. Add these to your savings account until you’ve saved enough to have a comfortable cushion. To make this step go even faster, add any bonuses, tax refunds etc. as well.
 
But don’t stop there. Make it a goal to add to your safety cushion as you can and come back and revise your numbers from time to time. Your living expenses may go up or down over time. You can adjust the amount you need and set aside savings in an account where you can get at it with no hassle.
 
Life and disability insurance are another important part of your financial safety net. Do you have a plan in place to continue to cover your living expenses (or those of your family) when you can no longer work? Call your insurance agent and go over your current coverage. Make sure the insurance you’re paying for will pay out what you need and if not, make adjustments.
 
Next, consider investing any further savings into higher interest-bearing accounts. You may not be able to access money invested here right away. But the funds will come in handy when you’re dealing with a long-term financial emergency or are ready to retire. Plenty of investment vehicles have a higher yield than your bank savings account.
 
Talk to your financial adviser, Work out a plan that’s right for you, your family, and whatever the future may hold.
 
JohnK 9-18-2017
 
Image for overheard for financial wisdomOverheard: “All money is a matter of belief.
           ~Adam Smith
 
 
 
 
 

How To Plan For Unexpected Expenses

 
It always seems to happen at the wrong time. The car’s transmission blows just as your daughter gets her braces. Or your washing machine decides to call it quits.
 
These unexpected expenses will pop up throughout life. You want to prepare as well as possible for those times when life throws you a financial curve ball.
 
Do your best to plan ahead for upcoming expenses. If you’re driving an older car, or your dishwasher has seen its better days, start saving up to replace the item. You may also want to start keeping an eye out for good deals on the replacement.
 
budgeting expenses
 
An even better strategy is to have an emergency savings fund. Set up a savings account and add to it monthly. Use it only for completely unexpected expenses.
 
Make sure you know what’s in the account. And once you have to take money out of it replace it as soon as possible.
 
This brings us to an important point. How to make a quick recovery after taking a hit to your wallet.
 
Go over your budget (you have one of those, right?) and see if you can cut back on some things for the time being.
 
Stop ordering pizza every Friday night and make your own at home. Skip a night out on the town and watch a couple of movies on Netflix instead of going to the theater.
 
Use the money you’re not spending over the next few months to refill your emergency fund. For an extra boost, you might work a few hours of overtime. Or do a few freelance projects. You might pick up a short-term part time job to get back on track fast.
 
dollar expenses
 
But what do you do when the expense comes up before you had a chance to set up the emergency fund? Take a deep breath and assess the situation.
 
Can you make do without the item for a little while? At least long enough to scrape together the funds to repair or replace it?
 
If it’s the dishwasher, that’s easy. You can wash dishes by hand for a little while.
 
If it’s the fridge or the car you rely on to get you to work each day, that’s a different story.
 
If it’s your car decide if it would be better to repair than replace. Even if it isn’t the perfect solution, it may get you to work while you save up for the car you want.
 
Shuffle your money around and if there is no other option charge it to the credit card and get to work. Your one and only goal right now is to pay off that expense.
 
Sock away every available penny. Once you pay off your credit cards do what you can to get that emergency fund set up.
 
And be ready for any surprises down the road.
 
JohnK 9-12-2017