During a recent podcast on LearnDoBecome Radio, I mentioned that there are two questions I have taped to my bedroom door so that I can read them every day. I received some comments requesting I go a bit deeper into the story behind the questions, so this video will do just that!
Having just two questions has brought a huge sense of relief. I used to have this whole list of goals I was working on, and there were so many things I needed to do daily and weekly that I started feeling overwhelmed whenever I looked at it.
Now I just look at my two questions, and I don’t feel that prior sense of pressure. I hope these questions will help you too!
Question #1: Am I healthy, happy, and aligned with God?
(*Note: you can adjust this with however you describe your higher power–this is just my personal question. 🙂 )
I’ve had some health issues these past several months, so I’ve really had to invest in things like drinking enough water, making sure I’m exercising, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep. Our health is so important, and I needed to make sure mine didn’t get overlooked.
So, for question #1, I think about the people in my life, the things I’m doing, and the projects I’m working on. I ask myself, “Am I feeling generally happy?” Checking in to see if I am feeling mentally healthy and emotionally balanced helps to make sure that my happiness remains a priority.
The other half of the question is about whether I’m aligned with God (my higher power). This is very important to me because I want to know that the life I’m living is the life I’m meant to live. By reflecting on my alignment with God, I’m able to continue developing that relationship so I can continue to access the lift and support that comes from it.
Question #2: Have I lived my purpose deliberately, doing one day’s share?
I don’t think any of us want to just live a life where we’re running around in circles, doing what everyone else wants us to do and never feeling like we’re actually making progress on our life’s purpose. Checking in on this area helps ensure that we ARE, in fact, living our purpose.
I love using the word deliberately here because it means I’m actively thinking about and planning in advance for striving towards my purpose. That way, when various opportunities and circumstances come up, I’m making decisions that align with my purpose and values.
The phrase “one day’s share” at the end of the question helps me put my day into perspective. I used to pile up my lists with SO many things to do; and at the end of the day, I would feel down on myself when I saw I had barely made a dent in that long list.
Now, when I ask myself if I did one day’s share, I can stop myself from piling on more tasks. I can know that I’ve done my day’s share of work, and I can relax and feel confident with my accomplishments.
Here’s a quick example of how my assessment works….
Last week, when I read the question, “Do I feel healthy, happy, relaxed, and aligned with God?”, my answer was, “Not really.” I hadn’t slept well the night before, I was worried about something one of our children was going through, I was putting way too much pressure on myself to get a bunch of tasks done, and I felt like I was falling behind.
Once I reflected on these reasons behind my answer, I then took steps to correct the issues that were coming up: I decided to reduce my commitments and workload a bit, get to bed early that night, give myself some grace regarding my feelings of responsibility and obligation to “fix” everything, and I acknowledged that a lot of things were going right. I just needed to calm down a bit.
Then, when I asked myself the second question, “Have I fulfilled my purpose deliberately—doing one day’s share?”, I could honestly answer, “Yes.” I mentally reviewed the previous 48 hours and recognized that there were a lot of unplanned tasks, opportunities, relationship-building moments, and energy-requiring experiences. With all that was going on, it was no wonder that I felt a little on the “drained” side.
So instead of continuing to feel frustrated over the gap between where I wanted to be and where I was, I took a deep breath and got started on those adjustments I mentioned above.
This little evaluation took about 5 minutes. It wasn’t complicated, but it transformed the way I perceived my success—and the way I approached the remainder of the day. That is why I ask myself these questions. I encourage you to incorporate this practice into your day-to-day life if you want this same sense of lift and empowerment!
LearnDoBecome Invitation:Â Take a moment and reflect on what parts of your life are most important to you. What areas would you like to reflect on daily, and what words could you use to connect with those areas? Jot down whatever resonates with you, and take a moment to see where you are at with them today. (And if you want to make sure you’re seeing them every day, you could post them on the back of your door, too!)
Related Links:
[PODCAST 109]: Ready to Make THIS Your Breakthrough Year? (Part 1)
[PODCAST 110]: Ready to Make THIS Your Breakthrough Year? (Part 2)
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🌸Thank you for sharing this. I am going to post these same questions on the back of my bedroom door and possibly use posts of this question on every door inside my home. When I become overwhelmed I either clean like crazy or clam up and go mental in the Fetal position. I’m looking forward to finding my happy medium. 💕
This made me laugh, Jovita! I’ve totally been there! I still have days where I need to step back from it all, but these two questions–and other little tips and tricks I’m learning from others along the way–make a big difference. Sending a huge hug!
I enjoyed this shared lesson,because it was what I needed to hear. In fact, I could much use this in my life. I need to make more time for me and my personal life, loved ones. I am spreading myself out too much. This isn’t falling in align with two questions.
You took the words out of my mouth, I do the same. Peace & Light as we search for that equal medium.
I loved this April. Thank you. Michele
I love the idea of “One Day’s Share”! It would bring a sense of accomplishment to ALL the tasks I complete in a day, especially when few are even on my list!
Thank you for sharing!!
Love that, Johanna. Isn’t it funny how much that sense of accomplishment means to us, psychologically? I think that is one of life’s big secrets…to learn how to set up and move through your day in such a way that even when things don’t go as planned, we STILL feel a sense of accomplishment. 🙂 Keep up the great work!
I love this April. I just love listening to your insights. I appreciate these questions to ask eacy day. I have also been loving listening to your podcasts because you are so real and I feel like I can really relate to you. You inspire me in a way that makes things seem doable, not in a way that overwhelms me. Thank you for this post and just being you.
Your kind words mean so much. Thank you, Natalie!! Sending lots of happy thoughts your way!
Thank you April! Really feeling overwhelmed with work responsibilities and home responsibilities and haven’t made deliberate progress on my purpose. Working to re-balance and determine ways to re-prioritize to move forward and feel joy again.
Patty, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate, and I applaud your wisdom in re-balancing and re-prioritizing. You deserve to feel joy!! xoxo
Thanks April! I am going to incorporate your two questions into to my life and post them on my door and mirror. I LOVED the second half of question one about “aligned with God” because if we can do that we can make sure we are living our purpose deliberately!
So happy for you, Diann! Thank you for the good things you are doing in the world and the effort you are putting into living your purpose. I have no doubt that you will make a big difference for many, many people!
What a beautiful message. Especially in our current climate. I love the simplicity of the questions yet the profound meaning behind them.
I have spent years trying to figure out my Divine Mission in life. I tend to overcomplicate it and sometimes get paralyzed at the thought that I may be “doing it wrong” or “missing the boat.”
The more I have reflected on what my purpose is, the more I have come to understand that it’s not just one thing. It’s a culmination of many things. I am who I am today based upon the many chapters in my life that have molded and shaped me. I can use my gifts and talents to lift and bless others on a daily basis, whether it be my family, a neighbor, a close friend, or a stranger.
Thank you for being vulnerable and for sharing your light with others:). Every time I see my Command Center, I think about you and where I came from. Life is not running perfectly smooth, but I get out of bed each day grateful for a chance to start again.
Juventa, I think your thoughts about your purpose are really insightful. Love how you see your purpose as a “culmination.” That’s an exciting way to think about it. You’re doing great, and I am so proud of you!!
April, I love your happiness in all your videos! This one was awesome because I felt like these were the questions meant for me. Especially the one day’s share. I always feel like “well if I were more organized, I’d have those 5 minute tasks available and could get those done.” But thank you for this reminder that yes, one day’s share is often plenty!
I’m so glad this was helpful for you, Jenny! I started feeling that “push to do too much” tonight. Some things took longer than I thought today, and my energy wasn’t as high, so I renegotiated and slowed things down to something way more reasonable, and it’s amazing how much lighter I feel. Sending lots of happy thoughts your way and wishing you the best!
Thank you so much for this video! I wrote every word you said down before realizing everything in the video was transcribed below it, that’s how impactful it was to me. Didn’t want to take the chance of misstating what you said because it was simple, perfect, and made so much sense. I would never wish how I currently feel on anyone, but it does help to know I’m not alone and that others have found their way to that equal medium healthy, happy, aligned place. Please pray for those of us who are still in search of it.
Billi, thank you for your comment. We’re so glad you’re here. You are definitely not alone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and all who are searching for peace. Better days are ahead!
I love the “daily share” condition connected with living your purpose. I also often have the long list and keep going rather than allowing myself to say, “I’ve done my daily share and thats good enough for today.” I’m working on that, but when I do acknowledge I’ve done my daily share – I feel accomplished and relish the time I enjoy with my family and friends even more, rather than getting caught in the scarcity mentality of my long list.
Thank you, Brooke! You said that so beautifully. Keep up the good work!!
Thank you, April! I just finished cleaning out and organizing a box of disorganized mess that was moved here more than 10 years ago . . . . . only to find some other smaller boxes of things that need sorting out. So, I became overwhelmed. Your video make me realize that (1) getting those done is not the most important thing to get done in my life right now and (2) these other boxes should be aside for time with family and friends which is wayyyyy more important than having them organized.