30 June 2010
Successful Intentions Newsletter
Hi ,
How are you doing?
"Fine thanks - I'm so busy!"
When did being busy become part of our identity? Is there some sort of status attached to being seen to be busy? Truth is, being busy is not the same as being fulfilled, or even productive. The eulogy at your funeral will probably not reminisce about how many items you were able to cross off your "to do" list.
But the clock is ticking. So here are some simple ways to achieve more by doing less:
- Life is short: Remember, none of us gets out of here alive. And life is unpredictable. You only have this fleeting moment. So whatever you want to accomplish, whatever is important to you, do it. And do it now.
- Play with time: Time is relative. Clock time is an artificial human construct, albeit an extremely useful one. But absolute time is the unmeasured, ongoing "now" of existence. So each day, spend some time totally unconcerned with time. Bring your attention to your breath. Or bring your attention to flowers or trees or the sky, as if seeing them for the first time.
- Change the pace: Try slowing down the pace from your usual activity level by removing all external distractions for a day, or part of a day. Switch off the iPhone and the computer. Focus on paying attention to yourself and your surroundings. When you have nothing to accomplish.
- Clarify aspirations: Get clear on your aspirations, plans, and projects. Write them down. But then make a list of concrete action steps you can take toward each aspiration, plan, or project. There's enormous relief in just listing "next steps" in relation to incomplete projects.
- Retrain Pavlov's dog: We react to incoming emails, phone calls, and online alerts the way Pavlov's dog reacted to the sound of a bell. Learn to check your emails only two or three times a day. Most people don't need responses immediately. And learn to respond to phone calls or messages only two or three times a day. Like changing any habit, it takes time. But this way, you control your interactions, they don't control you
It's easy to get addicted to busyness. There's a pervasive culture of busyness in most workplaces. But busyness is not a sustainable way of life. Mindfully doing less will enable you to determine what your true productivity and contribution can be. Only you can know that which you truly long for.
, what do you think? Have your say on my "Wisdom Circle" blog for musings, research, and applications of practical wisdom!
Keep your intentions clear,
Peter Webb
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