The End of Obligation

It’s the New Year and that means a resetting of new priorities and goals. It’s  a time to reflect on the past year and try to set new plans and goals to get different results.

It can be a great time of year IF you are kind to yourself.

Are you reviewing last year, without judgement, considering what worked? What didn’t? And what to change?

Or, are you beating yourself up for what you should have done? Could have done?

If you fall into the second category (don’t worry, most do), then you may be setting new goals or resolutions for 2012…and setting yourself up for more disappointment.

You dream of different results, more money and all the things that come with it.

The problem is you didn’t learn a thing from last year’s disappointment.

Are you planning on using the same “you” that created last year’s results?

To paraphrase Einstein; “You can’t solve a problem with the same mind that created it.”

Something has to change.

And if you’re weighing yourself down with obligations, with all the things you think you; need to do, have to do, or should do…let me put your mind at ease.

There’s nothing you have to do.

"You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it."

You don’t have to:

• take out the trash
• pay the mortgage
• eat well
• diet
• exercise

You don’t even have to feed the kids.

Are there consequences for not doing these things? Absolutely, but you still don’t have to do any of them.

This is where the magic can happen.

How would you like to release all the obligations you feel weighing you down?

How about doing it right now?

You see, when you realize that every perceived obligation is really a choice, you can be free of obligation.

You realize that you don’t have to take out the trash, but choose to because you prefer someone else figure out what to do with it, so you can focus on more enjoyable things.

You realize you’d rather pay the mortgage and eventually own your own home so you don’t have to deal with landlords or live in an apartment complex with neighbors who are too loud.

You realize you’d rather feed your children so they develop wonderfully, rather than eat junk and turn into misbehaving brats.

These are your choices. Each day you choose to, or choose not to do these things based on the consequences of not.

I choose to take out the trash rather than have it pile up, or load it into my car and find somewhere to take it.

Knowing it’s my choice is a whole lot better than feeling like “I HAVE TO” do something.

I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to, and neither do you.

You’re Free.

Now how to make this stick?

• Pull out a sheet of paper and write “Freedom” at the top.
• Next, draw a line down the center of the page.
• At the top of the left-hand-side, write “Obligations”
• Now, on the left side, write down everything you think you; need to do, have to do, or should do
• At the top of the right-hand-side, write “Inspirations”
• Below that, look at each “obligation” to the left, and make a decision whether you “choose” to continue to do that task or not. If not, write (over on the right), “I choose not to”
• If you do choose to continue to perform that task or activity, write; “I choose to”

That’s it, you’re free of obligation and are now operating from choice. You’re in control and empowered.

When the weight of obligation creeps up on you in the future, create a new list. Or not, it’s your choice.

PS – I’m hosting a webinar on “Setting Inspiring Intentions” – be on the look out!

Related articles

• Don’t Make this New Years Mistake (davidkoons.com)
• Watch Out for the New Years Resolutions (davidkoons.com)