In this modern world of ours, we have indeed become quite busy. There’s certainly a lot to do and accomplish, and we wonder how we’re going to get it all done, while attempting to maintain a necessary level of sanity as we move along! What we have discovered is the need to manage our time properly, for with so much to choose from, we must find a way to prioritize in order to accomplish anything at all. The most important realization we could possibly have is that no matter how much we would like to, we cannot do everything. We are limited by time and capability, and this must be fully recognized and accepted if we hope to be comfortable and successful. We need to be honest about the fact that the stress of life is mostly self-created in our attempt to spread ourselves too thin. My friends, this is not sustainable, and it will lead to exhaustion, and even disease, if we don’t get a handle on it. To be truly successful in life, then, we need to simplify things in every way possible, by becoming realistic and practical.
Taking note of the above, there are basically two types of people in this wonderful world of ours. The first is a person who is generally laid back, lives in the moment, and sees life as an opportunity to do whatever comes to mind and feels right at any given time. “Freedom to be” is the foundation in this case. The second is a person who is very structured, and lives by lists, calendars and constant planning. “Sequential order” is the name of the game here. Each “way of being” has its benefits and limitations, so it needs to be understood that both of these approaches to living, when played to the extreme, are incorrect overall. To become a well-rounded individual will provide the best way for each of us, no matter which category we find ourselves in. In other words, an appropriate balance of the best qualities of each may give us what we’re looking for. Let it be said that “flying by the seat of your pants” will give a person no direction. On the other hand, “rigid adherence to structure” leaves no room for freedom and spontaneity. The truth is that structure and order can be found in spontaneity, and freedom can be found in planning and structure. The apparent contradiction between the two ways of being can be resolved, as we find a way to incorporate both. We need them both for life to truly work. Let’s take a look.
Organization is the foundation of your day
If we have no idea what our day is going to be about, or where we’re headed, our day will take over and lead us in a direction we do not intend to go. Unexpected things will happen, for which we have no adequate preparation. So, to those of you who attempt to get through life with no schedule, I ask you to create a short list for yourself each day. Nothing in terms of accomplishment or fulfillment can eventuate without a place to start. No freedom has been lost, no limitation has been imposed, by creating a small foundation that will give you a sense of forward motion. No matter our particular approach, we need a point of stability we can trust as we proceed. A simple plan removes the insecurity and uncertainty that lead to unwillingness and lack of action. There’s no need to know every detail of what your plan will bring, just create a program and let it unfold.
Routine helps develop consistency
Regardless of which kind of person you are, you have some kind of routine you follow. This helps us have a sense of control and feel connected to ourselves and our outer life. Those basic physical activities establish for us a natural rhythm we can bring into our minds, where the larger plans for life are located. A necessary rhythm must be found here, so that we have a sense of timing and proportion in all that we do and want to do. Engage with a basic routine at the earliest part of the day, then, for it allows every other part of the day to open up and flow. Being consistent in our routine creates relaxation. Relaxation creates increased self-awareness. Better self-awareness cannot help but create success!
Efficiency is the best way
The ultimate goal for each of us is to become more efficient. The more efficient we are with our time, the more we can accomplish. This is of course a long and ongoing process, in which we learn as we go. In all honesty, the goal of becoming efficient is not about the quantity of things accomplished, but the quality of our experience in the process itself. No matter how great our capabilities may be, if we are not relaxed, comfortable and enjoying ourselves, our accomplishments will have no lasting value or meaning. It should be clear to us the importance of doing a few things well, as opposed to trying to do everything all at once in a less than mediocre fashion. So, my friends, slow down and do a good job with whatever you are engaged with. Let the rest happen later when you’re ready. It cannot be overstated the need to finish what we start before moving forward. If our vision of ourselves is less than realistic, we’ll have several projects going on that will inevitably lead to overwhelm, and nothing will ever get done. We incapacitate ourselves!
Flexibility and compromise
Although lists and schedules are necessary to accomplish anything at all, if taken to the extreme, we can find ourselves living in a little box. It is too restrictive, limiting, and quite frankly, way too much pressure to place upon ourselves. There is no freedom or joy in a strict adherence to excessive planning. We all have a general feeling that things are moving rapidly, and many changes are imminent. Planning too far ahead into the future allows us to live in that unknown future rather than now. One day to the next, even one moment to the next, is often our best option. Our greatest success can be found in a willingness to be flexible and make compromises. So, shorten the list and let go of that which is unimportant. Adjust the plan, so a better way can be found. It is time to avoid the temptation of attaching self-worth and meaning to the quantity of accomplishment, my friends. It is the quality of experience and richness of the moment that provides wholeness and peace.
Spontaneity and a proper use of the moment
True spontaneity is not about doing exactly what you want to do at every moment. This is merely an effort to avoid all possible responsibility. It’s about understanding the most appropriate and wise thing to do in each moment that will aid you in achieving your goals and getting to where you want to be. Again, it takes time to establish a proper rhythm. Let’s remember, as well, what takes us out of focus in the moment more than anything else is an avoidance of the difficult things we know we must eventually do. Remember, whatever is left undone will pull us into the past. There is no spontaneous moment available there. Make those difficult items a priority, for it will allow a more joyful self-expression now and later. Some people get the not-so-fun things done first in order to have a comfortable day. Some prefer to do the things that are easier first, in order to build a necessary momentum to confront the difficult ones. Either approach can be effective. The point is to free yourself from what is holding you back. Real spontaneity is not waiting for life to happen through no responsibility at all, it’s about taking care now. Each moment will reveal its purpose as we listen and trust. A proper use of each moment, then, involves what we would like to do, and what we know we must do.
Life has no forward movement or meaning without purpose
Purpose cannot be found without a plan
Nor can life be lived by accomplishment alone, for joy will be lost in each successive moment
Live, and be, and do the next
Freedom at last
Just a few words today, my friends. If you find yourself wandering through life without direction, feeling ungrounded and lost, sit down with a friend who appears to be organized and oriented toward responsibility. If you find yourself burdened and overwhelmed with false responsibility, plans and schedules, sit down with a friend who appears whimsical, free and living in the moment. Both are required to become well-rounded and complete. Together, we achieve.
All my love and support, be well