028: Be the Bonsai – How to Run Your Life, so it Doesn’t Run You

By August 28, 2018August 29th, 2018The Simplifiers Podcast

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This is the final episode in my series on self-care and self-love (well, for now) and it’s an important one.

In this past month, we’ve explored our relationship with food, the state of “being busy”, and healing from abusive relationships. Now it’s time to unlock the secrets on how to cultivate the life you actually want to live.

Contents

My guest, Kim Sutton is going to teach us how to “Be the Bonsai”: how to run your life, so it doesn’t run you.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • How to avoid the Yes Trap
  • How to cut off the weakest branches so the stronger ones grow
  • How to overcome “Idea Overwhelm” and laser focus in life

It’s all about understanding what’s most important in your work, and your life, and integrating that back into the fold.

Bonsai is the Japanese art of cultivating small trees that mimic the shape and scale of full size trees. The purpose is all about contemplation. Bonsai isn’t intended for production of food or for medicine, but simply for the long term cultivation and shaping of trees, mindfully.

I want you to think of your life as a bonsai tree as you listen to our conversation. What branches are you ready to trim?

Let’s #DoTheThing.

My challenge for you this week:

How can you ‘trim your branches’ by using the techniques that Kim has taught us? How can you get out of the yes trap, cut out the things that are shading your strengths, and do one important thing at a time?

Share it with me, privately or publicly, by snapping a photo of you doing the thing and tag @thesimplifiers on Instagram for added accountability and support!

Links, books and apps mentioned:

App: Moment – an iOS app that automatically tracks how much you use your iPhone and iPad each day.

Tool: Infusionsoft – marketing automation tool

Tool: Tailwind – scheduler for Instagram and Pinterest

Tool: Meet Edgar – social media scheduling

Tools: HootSuite – social media management

Tools: Trello – web-based project management app

Tools: Google Drive – cloud storage and document collaboration

Book: Lingo: Discover Your Ideal Customer’s Secret Language and Make Your Business Irresistible – Jeffrey Shaw

Favorite quotes from this episode:

[07:55] “Multitasking is a myth. It’s not real. It doesn’t actually make you more productive.” Mary

[11:13] “The very first technique for being the Bonsai, running your life so it doesn’t run you, is how to avoid the yes traps.” – Mary

[15:24] “I was saying yes to everything just because I was in scarcity mode. I was afraid that if I said no to this opportunity, that my bank account would be empty tomorrow.” – Kim

[19:32] “Not being the first to respond lets the world know that you have a life.” – Kim

[23:01] “Don’t be afraid to do a pro-con list for any new opportunities that come your way.” – Kim

[24:46] “Look and see if you’re doing–if you’re working on this because you’re tasting income or if it’s really in line with your soul.” – Kim

[27:31] “Don’t go wide, go deep, get in there, find that one thing that you are super passionate about and stick with it.” – Kim

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About Kim:

Kim started her career as an interior architect working in large firms in Chicago, New York City, Connecticut and Ohio. The downturn of the economy in 2008 encouraged Kim to find herself, discovering her true life passions and purpose.

Kim is the host of the Positive Productivity podcast, and the author of the forthcoming book, Chronic Idea Disorder: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Overcoming Idea Overwhelm. In addition, Kim is a marketing automation and business systems expert and works with 6-7 figure business coaches.

Kim lives outside of Dayton, Ohio, with her husband, Dave, and her five children, eight cats and dog. In her free time, she enjoys reading, knitting, and playing video games with her family.

Kim’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:

Stephani Roberts – Audacious Mama podcast, inspiring Mompreneurs worldwide.

Where Kim hangs out online:

Website: thekimsutton.com

Podcast: Kim Sutton’s Positive Productivity podcast

Facebook: @kimsuttonofficial

Video version of the episode

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