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In the first installment of this three-part chat, Phyllis Levinson introduced her intuitive outline of modern life lived in balance: the “Tree of Life”. Today, the author of Life-Ku: 101 Life Coaching Tips, 17 Syllables at a Time expands on her powerful metaphor for personal fulfillment. She also sheds light on how time management is a flawed goal and the limiting power of the word “should” in Part II of this inspiring interview.
[1:00] Levinson’s “Tree of Life” in Full Bloom
Levinson opens the second segment of this conversation by expanding on her “Tree of Life” analogy illustrating a life in sustainable balance. The driving visual behind the metaphor is a complex system of interdependent elements, the interests that we all attempt to fit into our everyday routines. She also discusses the struggles that women in executive positions can have in fully assuming their roles in an organization. These difficulties are directly connected, as unresolved issues in one aspect of their life can greatly impact other aspects.
[3:36] Transcending “Should”
Levinson identifies the word “should” as one that most greatly restrict us from unlocking our potential. In her experience, an idealized image of what “the perfect life” SHOULD look like can cause undue anxiety. While acknowledging the difficulty of achieving a well-rounded life, she encourages us to concentrate on what most fulfills us without guilt. At times, sacrifices must be made…and there is nothing wrong with that. In the end, we have the power to look beyond what we “should” be doing and choose the roles that define us to ourselves.
[6:58] The Time Management Trap
There’s no getting around it: there are only so many hours in a day. As a result, we all want to make the most of every waking hour. Still, Levinson cautions against compartmentalizing our time too rigorously. Efficiency is a virtue, but too much of a focus on efficiency alone can rob us of the time to enjoy what we accomplish. For these reasons, it important to measure awareness of the time we spend against an appreciation for the way we spend it.
[8:00] Contextualizing Coaching
There is a common misconception that the services of a life coach decrease in value as your career path moves forward. On the contrary, many of Levinson’s most regular clients are women in leadership positions who simply want a credible outside perspective on their process. She sees her role as helping these women refine their decision-making process through organic conversation, leading them to the best version of themselves. Assembling the big picture from the puzzle pieces of professional and personal pursuits is her passion.
[10:07] Confidence in a Nutshell
A dedicated minimalist, Sylvia Levinson wrote her latest book “Life-Ku” with an eye on making the formula for personal success easy to digest. By rendering some of her most potent guidance into a collection of haikus, she hopes to make self-improvement more approachable. Encapsulating her perspective on a life well-lived, she exemplifies her penchant for brevity: “You only get one chance, live it your way.”
About Phyllis Levinson:
Website: https://www.phyllislevinson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhyllisLevinsonCoaching/
Blog: https://www.phyllislevinson.com/phyllislevinsoncom
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyllis-levinson-mcrp-pcc-45a81218
Connect with MindTeam Solutions:
Website: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/mindteamsolutions
Email: Info@MindTeamSolutions.com
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/mindteamsolutions