Recently, my family and I have been exploring our experience of space. Not space as in the rockets and the solar system (although my youngest child would love that!) but how through being intentional in our actions and choices, we create a sense of space or spaciousness in our lives.

It’s through being intentional and the process of simplification, we truly experience the transformative power of space.

Both physical and mental space can be transformative. Within my coaching model, gaining greater clarity is often the first step. That is, you get clear about your strengths, what matters to you, and what you want. This increased clarity frequently leads to a desire to be more intentional, or to simplify your career and life accordingly.

Let’s explore how you can gain more space, both physical and mental, and the transformation you’ll enjoy.

Definition of space

Some see space as needing to be filled. I prefer to see space as full of potential. Within the definition of space, provided by the Oxford Dictionary, we can see the same juxtaposition.

Space; a continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied.

Free and available suggests full of opportunity and potential. Unoccupied suggests it’s available to be filled.

This definition of space applies to both physical space and mental space. In a physical sense, we’re talking about the empty space in our home or available space in our schedule. For mental space, we are referencing the diminished internal chatter or noise that occurs when we choose to change our approach, thinking or commitments.

Let’s start with physical space.

Physical Space

When we remove excess items from our homes, we create space.

When we declutter our homes and remove items, we create space. As the definition reminds us, space has potential; either to remain open, free space, or to welcome something new that is more aligned to our values, and who we want to be.

Space is binary. You can’t choose space AND keep the item. Unless you rearrange some other space. In our homes when we have to choose between an item or a space, our default is often to keep the item, leave it where it is or stash it somewhere else. We tell ourselves it’s useful, or we might need it someday. But what might happen if we choose space instead? The potential of the space we create by removing the item is unlimited!

For example, when we recently removed the queen bed from our guest room in order to create an office for my husband. That space has now transformed from a dumping ground (there’s something about a large flat expanse that invites things to be dumped on top of it! 😆) to a productive, light-filled and inviting home office for my husband. Through the removal of a large dark item, the space now feels completely transformed!

Indeed, decluttering can bring greater clarity to our life. Simplifying, decluttering, and removing items that no longer serve us, are all areas that are closely related. It’s also deeply related to being far more intentional about our life. Oftentimes the decision to become more intentional is the catalyst for the simplification, streamlining and decluttering activity.

Note, particularly as you move through the process of decluttering, you may need to consider whether your purpose is to create space or to create order. As when we are streamlining and simplifying, often our first priority is to create order, and then we discover the joy of space, and that becomes our new goal.

A key question to support you

If you find yourself feeling stuck, or unsure where to start when considering the space in your home, ask yourself when you walk into the space, “What does this space encourage?”

This brings us to consider the space in our schedules and life.

Schedules and space

Space in our schedules is often harder to see, or create. This is where reconnecting with what matters to us, our purpose, and what we’ve determined is enough, is important. It’s these factors that will guide our decisions when it comes to being clear and intentional with our time and energy.

Saying no or removing exisiting commitments can be needed to create space

As part of creating space in our schedule, we often need to say no or remove existing commitments. This idea of removal of commitments from our schedule brings to mind the famous Coco Chanel quote; “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

This approach can apply to so many areas of our life, and I particularly love reframing this quote and considering our schedule through its lens.

In this way, when we look at our week ahead, can we remove one item to create a more calm, centred and streamlined week? Oftentimes by removing one activity or commitment (even a very small one!) from our weekly schedule, the mental space created allows us to find greater meaning and purpose in the work we are committed to completing. Additionally, through re-evaluating our time and energy, space in our schedule can provide greater opportunities for connection with people or activities that we love.

Supporting our loved ones create space

More space provides opportunity for time together

When we consider our week ahead, the activities we wish to remove or would benefit from removing, may not be only yours. We can look at family activities or our children’s activities too.

Within my family, we have often discovered the activity is still enjoyed, but the ‘noise’ around that activity or commitment is too much.

For example, one of my boys enjoys playing the piano and composing his own music. So we organised for him to have piano lessons, thinking we were supporting his love of music. But, the effort required to drive to the lesson, wait around and drive home again, plus the shuffling of all his other extra-curricular activities started to feel too much. He stopped enjoying playing the piano and then ceased playing altogether. After some careful consideration, we cancelled the lessons. He gained back two hours after school and I gained back two hours being his taxi service. Clearly, that was beneficial! But the best part was he returned to playing and composing. With the reclaimed space in his schedule, AND the reduced mental pressure to practice and perform, there was scope to return to what he loved; playing music for fun.

This lesson clearly can relate to many of us in our own careers and lives too, and I’m sure you can see it, without me labouring the point. 😉

Shifting space

Rearranging or re-allocating space, whether it be physical space or mental and emotional space is a great option too. Here is where I encourage my clients to look at their schedule or commitments from a week-long perspective, rather than a single day. That is, reviewing activities within the framework of the 168 hours of the week, rather than the 24 hours of a day.

For example, you may value a daily yoga practice as part of your morning routine. But things have shifted in your career and life, and when you look at your schedule and commitments, a daily 6.30 am yoga practice no longer feels supportive. Instead, you notice your evenings are less rushed and decide to shift your yoga stretches to before bed each evening. Now your time feels spacious. By shifting your use of space in your schedule, you’ve embraced a new evening routine, which has also resulted in calmer mornings. In this example, the commitment has not been removed, just reallocated in a way that results in a more positive experience for you.

Another example of this is from my own schedule. Again, looking at my schedule from a 168-hour perspective and after completing a time audit, I found I had a lot of family admin to complete and was often doing it in a scattergun approach throughout the week. Once I reallocated an hour on Monday mornings to completing all the relevant family admin, the rest of my week felt more spacious, and I was less stressed and overwhelmed. Plus, with only an hour to contain the tasks, it encourages me to be very focused and efficient.

Opportunity and potential

Space allows for greater creativity - like starting a podcast!

The creation of space in your home or schedule also allows for greater creativity. Physical space in your home might mean you have more room to play lego with your kids or build pillow forts. Space in your schedule might mean you can actually do that with them! In addition, a clear counter or desk, or space in your schedule encourages your own creative pursuits. Either way, by having a clear space your mind is invited to explore and play.

Space also allows time for thinking, and drawing in new creative ideas. For example, recently I stepped down from one of my volunteer roles. It was a large, time-consuming voluntary role I’d been involved with for 3 years. Initially, I enjoyed the additional space created in my diary, and the fewer tasks on my physical (and mental) to-do lists. Within a week or so of actioning the decision to resign, my creativity was ready to play and I created the Two Booked Up podcast with Shelley Tonkin Smith.

Reflect and take action

Ask yourself some questions to explore the power of space. I’d encourage you to consider your answers to these questions, and record your thoughts.

What does space feel like for you?
Does the creation of space feel like you have freedom?
Does it feel relaxing?
Conversely, does having too much space in your diary feel stressful? (If this is the case, your current commitments and choices may not be aligned with your strengths and values; we should chat!)

A cut-through question

More space means you might have time to pursue a new hobby

When considering your career, life and home, ask yourself the question; How else could I use this space?

In your career

If you are attending meetings that are non-productive, or do not directly contribute to your ability to do your job, ask yourself;

How else could I be using this time, this space?
What alternative might be more aligned with the life I want to lead, including my career goals?

In your life

From a life perspective, ask;

How else could I use this space in my diary?

We all want to utilise our time for the things that matter to us, that light us up and contribute to a life of intention, meaning and purpose. With a little more space in your life, you might find your relationships improve, you read more, you have time to pursue a new hobby or passion, or your dreams of a career change become possible as you can engage in further study or learning.

In your home

Space in your home should also support you to live a life that aligns with who you are, your values, and what matters to you. Ask;

How else could I use this space to support myself and my loved ones?

It’s a simple yet powerful question to open you to alternative options and ideas, and potentially support you make a bigger life change.

In conclusion, with greater physical and mental space comes time freedom and opportunity. You can choose to embrace the additional space as free time to breathe or to focus on the people and activities that really matter to you.

And that’s the true transformative power of space; it provides you with the opportunity to be intentional and deliberate about what you focus on. Which provides you with a greater sense of purpose and meaning, resulting in a fulfilling career and happy life.

More support

Whether you are wanting greater clarity about your strengths, values or direction, you want to simplify your life, or you really want to feel confident in your career, work, and or life, or all of the above - I can help.

Through the twin lenses of intentionality and strengths-based work, career coaching with me is designed to tap into what makes you tick. Exploring your hidden talents and utilising your unique gifts either in your existing career, when considering a future transition to your dream role, or in your general life - within this framework, you will feel more fulfilled, with a greater sense of meaning, more engaged and have better job satisfaction. All individual coaching is fully customised to you and your goals.

Learn more about coaching with Rowena