Your 4-Burner Life

Let's Be Real with Nicole Unice

On today’s episode, I share an analogy that’s been really helpful for me in how I view my life and priorities when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed: The 4-Burner Life. If you’ve ever cooked a big meal with lots of elements to juggle, you know what I mean (ok I know some of us are workin’ with a microwave and a hotplate, but track me with here…) On your stove you’ve got a couple things on the front burners that you’re actively cooking, and maybe some others on the back burners that don’t require active tending. You probably also have some elements still sitting on the countertop or in the fridge for later. Your life is the same. You’re a limited person with an amazing power to bring your vision into being, but it takes discipline to consistently prioritize the right pots. Which things are both important and urgent? Important but not urgent? Urgent but not important? Whenever we have big dreams that require consistency and discipline, we’re going to hit obstacles along the way. It takes pacing and an understanding of your capacity. I share some helpful questions to ask yourself as you move around the pots of your life: How does this decision matter a year from now? Am I dealing with the important as well as the urgent? What does it feel like when I’m working within my capacity? What does it feel like when I’m working outside my capacity? You are ridiculously responsible for your life and your leadership. The person that you want to become is deeply connected to the way you make decisions in your 4-burner life today. My hope is that this new way of thinking about your life gives you the resilience and discipline to pursue all that is out there for you!