- Esther's Letters
- Posts
- Change your life in 15 Minutes.
Why Does This Happen to Me?
All I ask of you is 15 minutes a day to prepare for the day. It will change your life.
We struggle with organization skills. But if you take Fifteen Minutes with no distractions to write down all the variables, it allows you to determine what might happen.
This simple practice can transform your life.
Hear me out!
Part of the problem is we lack confidence in ourselves.
We think it’s confidence we’re missing, but really, it’s discipline.
Preparation operates like a prophecy, helping us foresee situations before they occur.
We can predict our day from similar experiences. For example, a Monday morning often follows patterns set by previous Mondays, especially if you have a schedule.
Many people think life just happens to them and feel unsure how to alter their fate. They resist the inevitable, living in a resistant state and struggling to open up to the magic life has to offer.
As I matured, I admired people who could foresee situations.
I thought it was some magic trick or miraculous spiritual power.
But what I realized was that I wasn’t seeing something crucial: their preparations.
What is the Art of Preparation?
The art of preparation is the power to understand characters, situations, and experiences in the early stages of development.
Whether it’s dating, business, or raising children, preparation is essential.
Without it, we miss vital details. In a world full of manufactured products and experiences, we lose sight of the process and the preparation that goes into making something from beginning to end.
Growing up, we called chicken breast schnitzel. One of my teenage sisters professed she never knew that schnitzel came from a chicken.
We lack an understanding of sources, a higher power, and how things are sourced in our lives. This detachment makes it difficult to feel involved in anything or connected in relationships because everything is so polished and presented.
When looking for partners, instead of seeking a fully polished human or business deal, look for someone who understands character building and is connected to the Source/God and a higher power.
Genuine joy on this earth is a byproduct of practicing the art of preparation yourself.
The Definition of Preparation
The Way We Measure:
The concept of Middos translates to character building but also means the way we measure.
Our thought processes and behavior are the ways we interact with the world.
They are also how we reflect and communicate with ourselves.
Character development involves cultivating traits that guide behavior. It encompasses values, ethics, morality, decision-making skills, and trustworthiness.
We master this by analyzing how we enter an experience.
In the Art of Preparation:
In Judaism, there is a saying: preparation for a mitzvah is more important than the mitzvah itself.
This emphasizes that how we prepare determines the way we experience life.
Practical Steps for Daily Preparation
1. Set Aside 15 Minutes: Begin each day with 15 minutes of undistracted time. Use this time to jot down potential events, tasks, and challenges for the day.
2. Reflect on Past Experiences: Think about similar days or situations. What patterns do you notice? How can these inform your approach today?
3. Identify Resources: Consider the tools, skills, and support you have at your disposal. How can you use them to navigate your day more effectively?
4. Visualize Success: Spend a few moments visualizing positive outcomes. This primes your mind to seek and create these outcomes throughout the day.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness exercises to center yourself. This can enhance your focus and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
6. Embrace Flexibility: Understand that while preparation is key, flexibility is equally important. Be ready to adapt your plans as needed.
By dedicating just 15 minutes each day to preparation, you equip yourself with the clarity and confidence needed to face whatever comes your way.
This small investment of time can lead to significant improvements in your productivity, emotional well-being, and overall life satisfaction.
Embrace the Power of Preparation
Preparation is not just about planning; it’s about cultivating a mindset that embraces foresight and resilience.
By committing to 15 minutes of preparation each day, you pave the way for a more structured, fulfilling, and balanced life.
Remember, the art of preparation is the foundation upon which you can build a life of purpose and joy.
Start today, and watch as this simple practice transforms your approach to daily challenges and opportunities.
— Esther
(this is the intro to a new series called The Art of Preparation)
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