This week I stopped trying to do it all. It wasn’t really a conscious decision to stop trying to do it all but a result of being in a peaceful place with myself and my life.
I stopped being busy for busy’s sake.
What that really looks like for me is moment-to-moment I simply started doing what feels right, instead of what I think I should do. I realized I take on a lot of obligations that are entirely of my own making- obligations that aren’t even necessarily important to my life. It was as if all this time I was following a formula for a great life instead of just living a great life.
It started Monday morning.
Over the weekend I completed several organizational projects and felt great about getting my space and my life in order. I started a blog organizational project that included updating old links and images on this blog.
When I woke up Monday morning I was motivated to finish my blog organization but it was Monday and I should go to work. After all, it was a work day.
I briefly pondered calling in sick but I didn’t really like that idea; I hate lying. Then I had a thought- an epiphany, if you will. What if I was honest with my boss and asked for the day off? What? No way! Ridiculous, I thought.
Ridiculous or not, I texted my boss, explaining that I was in the middle of a project and asked if it was alright if I took the day off. Can you guess what he said?
Instead of thinking I had to go to work, I asked for what I wanted and I got it. Instead of putting off what I was motivated and inspired to do, I stopped thinking of what I should do and did something that was important to me. Instead of trying to do it all, I focused on one thing I could do.
The rest of the week I continued to do what I felt inspired to do in the moment. I went to work, handled chores and other tasks as necessary, but as much as possible I asked myself, “is this something I want to do or something I think I should do?”
I let go of many things I thought I should do- I left them undone! Well, it’s coming up on the end of the week and I’ve accomplished a lot- but only those things that were most important to my continued health, happiness, and success.
This week I learned most of the things I do aren’t really necessary. I may still choose to them if it feels right, or enriches my life in some way. Otherwise, I now have the freedom to stop trying to do it all and do only what I choose to do that day.
I invite you to stop trying to do it all, even if for just a day. Give yourself permission to do what you feel inspired to do. Challenge your shoulds. Live a life that supports your health, happiness, and success!
I love your comments! What if you stopped trying to do it all and did what felt right in the moment? Will you try it? What can you do that’s important to you today?
Want more of this content? Check out my book, “Beautiful Badass: How to Believe In Yourself Against the Odds!”