I used to be incredibly efficient. I can still get a lot done, but I’m noticing that I’m not as efficient as I used to be. Not sure if I’m slowing down to focus on different things than I used to (for instance, I have my kids at home for less than two years so I’m definitely focusing on them and not cleaning the house), or what.
The other day I was in a waiting room and saw a magazine cover that had this list on it:
- sleep better
- cook quicker
- eat healthier
- lose weight
- clean faster
- stress less
- have more fun
In the past a list like that would have piqued my attention. I would have leafed through that magazine, found the article and read it with excitement. How? How?
This time I looked at the list, then I looked at it again, and I thought, “Right.” When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. This response is not because I’ve lost hope or have suddenly become down or skeptical. I just understand at this point in life that we can’t do it all. It’s ok to relax a little. Take more time to get things done (and still do a good job), and focus on what really matters.
In order to have fun I may not be able to focus on cleaning or losing weight. In order to eat healthier it may require taking more time to prepare foods and cook. Putting that much pressure on ourselves is not likely to lead to less stress and better sleep.
I appreciate the sentiment of that magazine writer, and I am not going to pursue that article or that list. I’m going to stick with focusing on what matters in my life and doing the best I can with the rest of it.