If left to their own devices without care and maintenance, most things will become wild and unruly.
For example, the weeds growing up between the bricks of a beautiful brick patio if left to their own devices will eventually break that beautiful patio apart.
The ivy making its way into a broken window in an abandoned barn will eventually work its way between the eaves and bring down the barn.
The family of squirrels that resides inside a wall because the hole in the exterior was never repaired will eventually multiply until they become a serious problem.
Even the interior of our homes can become an unmanageable mess without a steady routine of cleaning and organizing, maintenance and care.
Dust would cover every surface, papers and mail would pile up, and chaos would eventually reign.
So you see, maintenance is key if you want an environment that’s healthy and functional.
But this idea of maintenance goes much further than our physical environment.
It applies just as importantly to our mindset: Keeping the “weeds” or negative thoughts out and cultivating inspiration, creativity, and motivation instead. And this inner maintenance takes no less discipline and time than making yourself go outside on a hot day to weed the garden. Maintenance requires discipline.
It applies to our activities: Preventing the “dust from settling” by taking daily action to keep things fresh and focused. And this action takes no less effort than picking up the phone on a daily basis to reach out to your favorite clients, getting back in touch with an old friend, or sitting at your desk to write a thank-you card or do some marketing for your business. Maintenance requires discipline.
Let’s use your business as an example:
Caring for that beautiful brick patio by keeping an eye out for invasive weeds (that would like to take hold and split it apart) is like carefully watching what negative thoughts and fears you allow into your mind that could derail your business plans.
And sweeping the dust and grime from your front entryway is like making certain that you keep your client relationships fresh with open communication and clear goals and boundaries.
You see, sweeping the entryway and polishing your hallway mirror is the same as deciding to let go of a grudge and look with fresh eyes on a challenging situation.
- Weeds = negative thoughts, habits, and lax permissions.
- Maintenance = mindfulness and caring for what you have by giving it daily attention.
And this idea of maintenance and “keeping the weeds at bay” can apply to your health, your physical environment, your personal relationships, and your belongings as well.
You don’t want those weeds to take over your nice brick patio and break it up do you?
Take steps today to look at the parts of your life, or mindset, that might need some maintenance:
- Clean up negative thoughts.
- Create positive habits and let go of ones that don’t serve you.
- Make sure you have firm boundaries in business and relationships.
- Decide on routines that will serve your health and learning and help create a positive and rewarding future.
Keep an eye on what’s happening around you and within you, and take the time to focus on maintenance. The dividends you reap will be astonishing!
