Take A Moment

By Rue Hart

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Okay, let’s say it together: Life is busy.

It can feel like we’re running on a hamster wheel—trying to catch up to time. But what if we could slow it down?

Why slow down?

Some crazy people actually like the hamster wheel feel! Like myself. And that’s okay. But if that hamster wheel isn’t moving through things that are meaningful to you, then you’re going to get lost in purposeless busywork.

When we fill our days with glancing at that super neat website, cleaning the places that already are clean enough, and answering emails (all of which are completely random busywork examples that yours truly has never participated in), then we lose sight of our goals.

What do we do?

To slow down, or at least start only working on things that are important, we first need to clarify what exactly we’re trying to do. Ask yourself: Where am I trying to go? What is my end goal? And if I knew I was going to die next year, what would I spend my time doing?

Make a list of the items on your to do lists that strengthen and inspire you.

What next?

Make a to-do list for tomorrow. What are your top three most meaningful things to get done?

Next, add the things that are important to get done, but are less meaningful.

Thirdly, create a brain dump of the things that you want or need to get done later in the week, month, or year. If it’s on your mind, it will distract you from your goals of the day. Write it down to get it out of your already busy thoughts.

Finally, the hardest part of all, set an end time. What time of the day will you drop everything unfinished and spend time with family, friends, or yourself? It’s important to give your brain time to reset. Trust me when I say waking up to work and going to bed from work will lead to burnout.

Who will you spend your free time on?

Conclusion:

It isn’t easy to manage a busy schedule. But if you put your mind to it, you’ll find some time to live life free of work and responsibility. Make the time you have meaningful, drop the purposeless work, and give yourself room to breathe.

Because you deserve it.