What are you tolerating?

I first encountered life coaching about 15 years ago when I signed up for an email based, 12-week program.  I don't remember the name of the coach, but if I ever do, I'll give her mad props because I still use the stuff I learned with her today.

The very first lesson she taught us was about tolerances.  Tolerances are those annoying little things that we encounter everyday that drive us crazy, negatively impact our mood and our stress levels, but rarely seem important enough to deal with in the heat of the moment.

Maybe it's that burned out light bulb in your closet or the Tupperware drawer you can never close.  Whatever they are, you encounter them on a regular basis and usually when you're in a hurry.  Imagine -- you're running late for work, and can't find your favorite shirt because the light is out in your closet.  You get ready in the dark and don't notice the stain on your blouse until you're downstairs fighting with the Tupperware drawer and by then, it's too late to change.  You still have to make your lunch, after all.  You spend the next ten minutes trying to find the one evasive lid that matches the seemingly completely unique container you just poured your soup into, and when you finally find it, you decide to just deal with trying to close the drawer later when you get home and have the time to deal with it.

I'm in a bad mood just imagining it!

Taking time -- even just 15 minutes a day -- to proactively deal with your tolerances will make for a more relaxed, stress-free life experience.  But remember: tolerances keep popping up, so it's an on-going process.

Your first step is to start a list -- what are the things that drive you crazy?  Pay attention as you go through your day.  Just notice what elicits curse words and you'll have a pretty good idea of what you should write down.

Next, schedule some time on a day off -- even if it's just 15 minutes a day -- and figure out what you'll need to address the issue.  Do you have the right kind of light bulb?  Do you have the right batteries for that thing you would use all the time if only the batteries weren't dead?

Finally, commit to this exercise at least once a month, if not more often.  You'll be amazed at how much more relaxed and free you'll feel once you've addressed your tolerances.  And be sure to let us know your results!

Kerry Connelly is a Life and Health Coach based in West Orange.  She is the Founder and Executive Director of She*s ELEVATED, Inc., whose mission is to elevate women to their higher purpose through visionary coaching.  Learn more at www.sheselevated.com.