Do you often ask yourself: “What more can I do?”
If you’ve been following my last few blog posts, you’ll know I’ve been experiencing RSI, making it painful to use the computer (pick up a glass, lift something, cook, wash up, cycle…)
So I was being pummelled by my massage therapist Jono, as remedy for this, when I heard myself asking him a question I didn’t really want to know the answer to:
“Will I ever be able to properly type again?”
Some context here… As well as a coach, I’m a writer. Not just blog posts, but emails, teleclasses, tweets, programmes, a book. It’s what I do, it’s always been my thing, and the thought of not being able to do it just broke my heart – and he got that. He understood it would be a huge big deal to say “Stop typing, stop using a computer”; it would be like me saying to him “Stop massaging”. It’s heart-breaking and soul-destroying when the part of your body which you use to do your passion, to do your profession, just doesn’t work.
(Have you experienced that? Are you in that pain at the moment?)
He replied. “Do the absolute minimum you have to do not to destroy your career”.
For the rest of that massage, I lay there pondering. What IS the absolute minimum that I can do and not destroy my career? And how could I know?
You know, we’re always thinking: “What more can I do to build my business?” “What more can I do to help people?” What more can I do, what more can I do…
And on that massage table, in considerable pain, a new question emerged for me that I want to share with you. “What less can we do?” What less can YOU do to grow your business, or sustain it at a healthy level?
This last week, with every activity, I’ve been asking this question. “This e-mail I’m writing”, I think to myself, “if I don’t write it, will it destroy my career? If I don’t change the punctuation in this blog post, will that destroy my career? What less can I do?”
This question helps us focus in on what matters… and what’s superfluous ‘fluff’.
His advice is timely. For a while, I’ve been considering changing the format of how I communicate with people who subscribe to my mailing list (and that might include you). Instead of the relatively fancy newsletter with a header logo and regular features each fortnight, I’ve been wondering if perhaps there is less I can do there – but that would paradoxically free me up to give you more. And give me more in terms of the results I see from those communications, and the enjoyment I have in creating them.
So I’m trying this today. For those of you on my email list, you’ll have just got a plain old text email with a link to this blog post online. My assumption is that if you find my communications valuable, you’ll click through regardless of how I ‘pretty it up’.
Let me know what you think. How on earth do YOU decide what to do, and not to do, with a never-ending array of business-building activities to choose from? How do you decide what matters, and what doesn’t? Leave a comment below and let me know! (And if you found this post helpful, share it…)
If doing the minimum feels scary, check out this Creating Safety Toolkit – 21 days to help build your unconditional sense of security, no matter what.
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© Corrina Gordon-Barnes, 2011
Corrina, this is a really profound and beautiful article – thank you for sharing what must be a really difficult time right now.
I’m sure not being able to express yourself in writing is hard, but there must be a silver lining somewhere. You’re awesome in “real life”, so maybe there’s more personal appearances and videos in your future. You could interview interesting people for your videos or start your own radio show on Blog Talk Radio.
Sending big hugs your way and I’m really looking forward to seeing what you create out of this adversity.
Denise Duffield-Thomas´s last [type] ..Could You Win the Lottery Using the Law of Attraction
Thanks Denise! It’s precipitated such a healing journey; most recently I’ve been reading the MindBody Prescription which is proving extremely helpful in understanding WHY the RSI showed up. AND I definitely want to do more “live” stuff – so yes there’s a silver lining there
Tons of love to you in the Australian sun!
Your body is sending you a message and it’s your decision whether or not to listen. I would, however, find it extremely tricky not to type during my working day. So, I think we should all ‘brainstorm’ for Corrina so that she has to do less or no typing: A secretary, perhaps, or more use of the telephone etc. Anyone got any really great ideas to help!
Sandie – Bless you! The message about RSI I’ve got from reading MindBody Prescription is that it’s a distraction technique our brain uses to distract ourselves from unwanted emotions, by putting our focus on the physical instead. Since writing this blog post, my arms have profoundly improved – normalized, in fact – and yet the ‘What less can I do?’ question remains with me and continues to feel valuable. Clever old brain/body
Hi Corrina
Thanks for such a thought-provoking post and I’m really sorry you’re going through such a challenging time. I am sure, though, that there’s a message in there somewhere, as I guess you’re already discovering from the MindBody Prescription. I’ve been having some similar thoughts myself, wondering how I can free myself up do more of the stuff I really want to do (by doing less of the stuff I don’t!). You’ve just expressed it all beautifully for me, so thanks for that.
Best wishes
Jo
Voice activated typing – does that appeal to you?
I knew someone with severe chronic RSI some years ago who used voice recognition software to ‘type’ with. I should imagine the technology has improved vastly since then. It may or may not be your thing but it’s out there – is a resource if you happen to fancy it
On the plain text newsletter – yeah I wanted to read it and I clicked through via the link. I generally prefer seeing a prettied up version – I like seeing the author’s photo etc. as it feels more ‘social’ – it’s like they’re there with me in the room as I read their work. And I am very visual and love looking at pretty things.
And yet a plain text email sure isn’t gonna kill me and if it helps you then go with it! Is it easier to produce plain text than the fancy versions?
I’d definitely agree that having fewer features must cut down the time and work involved – and I agree with other posters here that video is becoming an important way forward … so …?
And I’m all for tailoring and refining it to best suit your own needs – and what gives you the best and most satisfying return on investment. Deploy ahoy that which you enjoy!
Annie´s last [type] ..Coaching by Chocolate
Dove tailing on the last post, Dragon Naturally Speaking by Nuance is THE program to use for voice activation. My son, who is severely disgraphic (he can’t write) and now is a philosophy major (on the Deans list no less!) at a small liberal arts school in the states has used this program for 14 years. It is easy to use although it will take your brain awhile to learn to “speak” a paper, blog or letter. You will figure it out!
There are so many possibilities when we try to solve a problem in a new and different way. What you must remember, Corrina, is your love for your work. You will find a way to make it happen, and in doing so access new found energy. I hear that energy already.
Thank you for your lovely posts. They are quite inspiring!
If I can be of any help with Dragon Naturally Speaking by Nuance, please be in contact.
Corinna,
Glad to see you are better!
Thank you so much for your posts. I so appreciate your clear, deep, thoughtful writing. I also appreciate your willingness to share your tougher times and your walk through them.
I use the tools of prayer, writing, quiet time, reading the writing of those who have been in the trenches and emerged richer more humble individuals, and like-minded and like-spirited friends to help me with my challenging times.
I also use homeopathy – it has been great for me for that deeper healing.
Cheers!
Ah yes, the power of pain; the one thing that makes us stop!It has been a great teacher for me over the years.It has taught me about vulnerability,courage,perseverence,compassion and love. Perhaps most importantly it enables you to focus in on values and what is really important and as you say discard the “fluff”. It can also help you delve into your creativity and look for alternative solutions as I’m sure you’ve discovered. I’m laughing because as I type this I’m suffering from a trapped nerve in my neck and a dose of sinusitis as well. So I’m exploring the possible ways of sneezing without moving my head! If anyone has the answer to this please let me know.
Less is More, the famous words of Mies van de Rohe, come to mind and it’s a topic I’ve been exploring for a while now. My thoughts so far are that there will always be more to do, so getting to the end of the “to do” list is never going to happen. So then it becomes about choice, where can I add the most value,what are the things that only I can do and who/what can help me do the rest?
In my experience, when we’re relaxed, we’re more productive, healthier,more creative and happier. That’s good for us and for those around us.
I’ll check the book out as well – another one for the list! After a 20+ year journey with pain I’m increasingly convinced that there is an emotional trigger, at a deep subconscious level that sets things off. You may be interested in reading about Mickel Therapy which explores the same subject.
As for the format of the email. I’m OK with it, there is a certain beauty about simplicity and it’s the content that matters. The beauty lies within.
Sorry a long post, so I’m off for a rest!
Hi Corrina,
Great post and I’m happy top read it in any form. Aesthetics are important but content much more so, I reckon.
As others have commented, your pain is trying to tell you something which starts with ‘slow down!’ and possibly leads on to more intrinsic challenges. After several years of on and off arthritic pain and almost five years of excruciating facial nerve pain, which I’m currently living with, I have recently come to believe that our pain, particularly chronic pain, is a gift. A not-so-subtle reminder from our divine selves that fundamental change is needed in some way, soon.
Wishing you blessings, strength, wisdom & love, Rache xx
Racheblue´s last [type] ..Copyright And The Future
Uhuh to the notion that the pain is telling you (or inviting you) to stop! Or at leas to slow down …
Do you remember this time last year? You had me walk very slowly – and even stand still – in the huge semi-open space of St Pancras station?
My eyes were drawn upwards to the beautiful sky with the charming patterns of pretty white clouds visible through the high curved glass roof. Yeah it was chilly, I was cold, but the view was delightful.
And I still use it as an anchor to slow down – be still. In all the maddening maelstrom – be still.
You did that for me – so take your own medicine – it works!!!
Annie xx
Annie´s last [type] ..Coaching by Chocolate
Hello my beautiful and ever-inspiring friend across the pond…
I absolutely *loved* this post. I always enjoy what you write about, you never miss a beat in being relevant and resonant.
This question in particular, has profound impact on me, especially right now in this very moment. I have been busting my butt to market my next retreat, meet with all of my 1:1 clients and never miss a beat caring for our two little girls and our home.
So to ask myself “what less can I do?” creates a very emotional and relief-filled response from my spirit.
Deep thanks for this post. Wishes for a full recovery from the RSI. And continued gratefulness for your mentorship and leadership you demonstrate in our amazing profession of coaching.
Love,
Jac
Corrina,
I’m very busy today and in being so, I actually prefer the way you’ve done today’s blog post. The email was short, simple and every bit of it was relevant to me personally. My brain didn’t have to sift through a complicated aesthetic to figure out “which bit of this is the important bit?” and that was valued since I was in a hurry. And when following the link, your website has aesthetically pleasing features anyway (pic at the top, background colour etc.) and so I don’t feel the email needs anything to spice it up. Only those people who want to receive your blog post get the email and it no longer contains the bulk of the info, so I say keep it like this from now on!
With respect to RSI, ignoring the effects of emotions for a second (important though that is), if you think that it’s being caused by extensive typing then a Dvorak keyboard has been known to reduce or even cure RSI. It would mean another challenge in your life (to learn to type using a Dvorak layout and live with the few down sides) but it’d be a journey. Plus, research seems to show that it is way more efficient than QWERTY and so you could lead the charge! Check out the wikipedia page if you’re interested:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvorak_Simplified_Keyboard
Oh, and the post was great and very timely, as ever. If I was superstitious, I’d think there was something in that
Thanks once again,
Ben.
I will always read your blogs whatever format they arrive in dearest Corinna because they are always so refreshingly open, honest and pertinent.
Have you tried voice command text – most computers already have a programme if not you can download one -my mum was using one because her typing troubles her shoulders.
I love your intent to hold the power of less – I went into overwhelm just before Christmas myself when I saw what lay ahead for this year, and after a period of feeling constricted by fear, decided at New Year to create an intention of EASE. Everything I needed to do would flow easily. And truly it has. Things have been just turning up – events, connections, publicity – without me having to run after it. I’m finding all that is required is to focus my mind, send out a really clear signal and then let go. So for me Less = ease. Less running around, making efforts, more flowing with effortless tides of manifestation.
So the remedy you are finding for Repetitive Strain Injury is taking the strain out of life, letting the physical pain be a messenger to reveal deeper feelings – what a gift! I have realised that I often suppress feelings when I am straining to be perfect, to get it right, to be more. Feeling we need to be more often comes from fear of not being good enough. Its a relief to let that go, to be human, to trust that I have everything within me and around me that I need and to operate within the parameters of what is nourishing for me. I am finding it makes me softer, more open and more available to others.
I am sure there will be many wonderful gifts for you in this process – you are so loved and appreciated and we are all here to support you!
Thanks so much as always for sharing and wishing you strain-free, effortless living and much much love xxxxxx
Hi Corinna,
Thanks for your honesty and sharing your vulnerability. From above posts you can see there are still lots of options, and the do list can always keep getting longer.
I liked the post in this format because there was more of a genuine quality and less hoopla around the content. I also like having a photo; it feels more like you are present as I read and is a reminder of who you are. I can understand that for new readers there might be a sense that you have to draw them in with something; this however may be a limiting belief.
Dina
Hi Corrina,
just a quickie – I always love your honesty and willingness to put yourself out there, and of course in looking for the positives in a challenging situation.
In response to the question about the format the blog is in – to be perfectly honest I didnt notice, and wouldn’t have noticed until you mentioned it, so for me its really about the content rather than how pretty it looks.
hope it all clears up really quickly, and the in the meantime you find the best ways to manage it. I know from my own experience of being fully in something – allergies, rosacea, eye problems – that sometimes I can’t ever imagine it getting better and in most cases it does – cos our bodies / mind are quite amazing at healing themselves.
Take it easy!
Julie xxx
Corinna, it is lovely that you share your journey through pain and, perhaps, not being ‘on the high mountain top’.I have been learning recently that I can be as I wish, can do the amount I want and can really enjoy the spaces I am creating, when I disregard should must and ought to. It’s OK not to be perfect, whatever that is!
When we ‘get this’ for ourselves, how much more clearly we can help those we love and work with to be at ease with themselves and release their own inner energies – to be their own beautiful, best self.
Very best wishes for whatever is next, Margaret
Corinna, FYI, there’s a Mac version of the Dragon Naturally Speaking software (Dragon Dictate) available here:
http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-mac/index.htm
Whilst most of these bits of software require “training” to your voice, they are now generally very good out of the box. You might be able to arrange for a free trial either at an Apple store or with someone from Nuance.
Best,
Rx
I recommend a great book called “It’s not carpal tunnel syndrome” by Suparna Damany and Jack Bellis, which changed my mindset when I had RSI 7 years ago. And on your question, Corinna, once I know a person I would click through to their webpage regardless, but if I didn’t then how attractive and professional the e-mail link was would play a big role.
so apt, so true
thank you, thank you!
I love your consistent willingness to BE PRESENT with what is and use EVERYTHING for growth.
I can’t even remember what the other emails looked like now but the latest was simple and to the point and we like that.
Big gratitude and love
V x
What a gift of community there is here – both for me and for you as you share with each other.
I should have known that in serving my ‘tribe’ of helpers and healers, I would get such a big dose of wisdom and compassion back
Great minds clearly think alike – I’ve been using DragonDictate For Mac since December (I’m speaking this right now, in fact!).
Annie, to answer your question – within Aweber, which is the list management software I use, yes simple plain text e-mails are certainly less time consuming than working with the HTML template.
Thank you all so much for your suggestions and for sharing your own challenges – much love and wishes of growth and ease.
(And I’d love hear more examples of where YOU are finding what ‘less’ you can do…)
Hi Corrina,
I always enjoy reading your posts, and it is more the person who it’s coming from than the format that is important. Although I did like the nice header email – I don’t know the work involved, but is that not a template you only have to set up once, and just change the content?
Anyway, I’m very much a ‘do-er’ as well, and sometimes it can certainly be good to let things go, put them in perspective, and go back to thinking and confirming what you want to do and why. It can get muddled up with stuff, and doing.
I haven’t read all the comments yet but something occurred to me. Even if you couldn’t write at all, that doesn’t mean you can’t write! Modern technology enables people to do so many things now. Worst case scenario, you could use a dictation program, that translates your spoken words into written ones! I think the key is not to worry about it in any way, because that can stand in the way of recovery. Just know it is not an issue, and that you will always be able to do what you love to do. You’ll be good as new in no time!
Hi Corrina,
thank you very much for sharing your feelings and your thought provoking words. It is certainly a different approach to my ever present to do lists.
Regarding the format: Since I often read my mails on my smartphone – your words are all I need!
Get better soon and I’m looking forward to our interview
Warm wishes
Petra
I love this Corrina, and agree with the others, while I did notice the change in format, what reels me in is the subject line. If it is something that resonates with me at that time I am guaranteed to read it and click through, regardless of formatting.
I have recently switched to using a formatted newsletter and reminder emails list. It does look prettier, but actually it saves us time. The job of categorising people by their interests is time consuming, as was building the templates but in the end makes things much easier for us, especially as we usually collaborate on them so it is good to have them stored in a central place to look at. Putting this system in place will also stop people ringing/emailing/facebooking/tweeting/texting me to find out event details even though they are the same every month! Don’t underestimate how much time that can take up! So using the system was actually better for efficiency for us.
But in terms of other tasks, I have been thinking about this issue too. For example, I love to write my blog posts and write articles etc – I too am a writer and don’t want this time taken away. What I don’t enjoy writing are notes from client appointments – boring. So I now record those as audio files instead. Also for distance work, do I really want to write up the results and email them? Boring, and impersonal. So I record them as video or audio files, it’s much quicker and more interesting and personal.
Love the idea of software that converts audio to typed – will look into this for the PC at some point maybe.
Also Corrina I am sending you an email about some distance shamanic work that could help you.
Lots of love
Kay x
Uhuh, uhuh you dragonflygirrl ..
Thanks for your reply re Aweber. I have an account with Mailchimp but haven’t started to use it so I don’t know the ins and outs of what takes time and what saves time.
Re what less I/we/all of us could do? er I think you may be talking to the wrong person in this instance … a former coach of mine said to me once “Annie your greatest gift is your ability to do nothing..” And she meant it as a compliment!!
I probably am the one person who really ought to do more! Oooof, a cup of tea methinks … xx
Annie´s last [type] ..Coaching by Chocolate
Thank you for this post Corrina, I love it!!
Really resonates with me. I’m currently undertaking a big ‘slowing things down’ time. Noticing how things were becoming more and more busy, booked up, planned for, big, expensive, chaotic… it’s time to simplify my life – I can already smell the green gress that awaits as I step my toes in.
That’s right, I’ve moved out of my too expensive flat and traded it in for somewhere that’s half all out payments! Much better. I’m not running a marathon this year! and instead I’m focusing on my yoga training and self practice. The computer is off lots more, I’m sleeping longer and I’m just so enjoying more peace and quiet, ahhh.
Less certainly is more. To more BEING, rather than doing, doing, doing (Zzzzz)
Rosanna
x
Rosanna Gordon´s last [type] ..I JUST Ran The Marathon… And How YOU Too Can Be One Of Those ‘Other People’
I checked out your website through a comment you made on Mark SIlver’s post. I am fine with your email. Seeing that it came from you was all I needed to see to click through.
I’m inspired by your posts, and wish you well.
Curious if you have You Can Heal Your Body by Louise Hay? I find it continuously helpful.
xoxoxo
Interesting article, I find my time just disappears! A friend of mine shared with me that we spend too much time doing things that we think are urgent and important, whereas we should spend our time doing things that are not urgent but important – ie the things that give us a feel-good factor, that make us grow. I listen more and more to my gut because my head doesn’t always get it right!
Yes have heard this idea and faced it up few times. Some people call it Pareto rule 20/80. When 20% of your activities give you 80% of success. So other 80% of activities…. I hardly ever thought about it, but thanks to your article I’ll think about it. By they way, leave the e-mail as plain text
Hi again Corrina
Another thought’s popped up on the html vs text only email debate.
I’m thinking that your existing readers – people who have already got to know you and have already decided they want to hear what you say and are already committed to what you’re about – will be more than happy to open a text-only zine.
If you’re looking to build the list / attract new readers, then maybe the design element becomes more important.
Of course if they’ve signed up via your website & blog then they’ll have seen your photo, have got a flavour of who you are – but if they’ve simply had one of your emails forwarded by someone, then I wonder if a plain text version might be more easily overlooked and forgotten and a ‘prettied-up’ one more easily remembered and given their full attention?
I don’t know the answer and I’m never knowingly the one who’d ask someone to DO more
I simply wonder?
Annie´s last [type] ..I Think therefore I Worry! vs I am Enough
So glad this post resonated for so many of you – and I’m truly grateful for the kindness of your suggestions. Let’s keep asking this question: “What less can I do, what less can I do…?”
This continues to speak to me. Let’s be gentler to ourselves!
And I notice that your resolution then about your newsletter was followed through – that you continued to be gentle!
thank you