By Paola Gancman
Paola Gancman

“When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are about our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others.” Eda Le Shan

Being a mom is the most precious, rewarding and challenging job that we will ever have in the world. Our time and energy is completely invested in nurturing, protecting and encouraging our children to grow and shine. We all balance many different roles as moms, professionals, wives, partners, daughters, friends and much more. That is why the words of Eda Le Shan speak to me so clearly. If we can truly take care of ourselves, inside and out, we can be more alert and sensitive towards others. We can be the mom, wife, partner, friend and professional that we want to be.

However, looking at ourselves and trying to figure out where to begin can be overwhelming, and that is why many times we avoid it. Here is a simple exercise that can guide you towards the first steps of taking care of YOU.

My Daily Success Habits

A. My top 3 PRIORITIES in life right now are:
1.

2.

3.

B. My top 3 STRESSORS in life right now are:
1.

2.

3.

C. What supportive DAILY HABITS can you introduce?
 (Ideas: 15 min of silence –alone time, Drink 8 glasses of water, Be at my desk by 8:00a.m. and leave by 6:00p.m., Eat a healthy breakfast, Be in bed by 10:30p.m., 30 min of exercise/activity, Take 10 min mid-afternoon to recap where I am, Make all calls in the first hour of the day, Connect with spouse/partner – 5 min of active listening, Review 3 priorities for the day before starting to work)

MY 5 NEW DAILY HABITS

New Habit Benefit to me

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

5.

 

Remember that it takes time and practice to implement new habits. They start as simple actions and gradually, as you do them regularly, they become habits. It takes anything from 21-30 days to implement a new habit, and a few months to cement a habit, so be kind to yourself on the days your don’t remember and just start again the next day!

Paola Gancman has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has a Life Coaching practice in Sherman Oaks. She has been working in the field of education and psychology for the past 20 years in Los Angeles. Paola is passionate about her work and believes that we all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves and work towards a more happy, balance and positive life.

For more information contact Paola Gancman at Pao@directionlifecoacing.com for a free introductory meeting.