If I don't write it in my calendar, it is not going to happen. If a task is not on my list, I have a 50-50 chance of forgetting it. Ah, the joys of the middle aged brain.
The older I get, the more I value my time. I realize this is a precious resource and I work to treat it with respect. I find myself wanting to be more present to my activities. I am more intolerant of multitasking. I am more discriminant in who I choose to spend my time with. I want to move towards activities and people that bring my joy and make my heart sing, and I want to eliminate activities and people that seem to suck the energy out of my soul.
I am enjoying my intolerance of intolerable things. In my journey to remove my intolerances, I have noticed that the simple and obvious little ditties are the ones that hold great power. So, the title of this blog is one of those simple and obvious little ditties that has been a bit of a game changer for me.
It always takes longer than you think it will take.
I will have an idea about how long it will take me to write a blog post, or prepare for a client, or organize a unit plan. What I have learned to do, is think of my time like a renovation project. You think it is going to take $10,000.00 to do the floors, but you budget for $15,000.00. You always plug in a healthy cushion. You might not need it, and that's a bonus, but knowing you have the buffer makes things run a little smoother.
I now do the same with time. I am writing a blog post, and I have to look up some references or search some photo or get a link and it takes time. More time than I think it does. Instead of getting frustrated, I just tell myself, this is all part of the task. I am working on a new unit and I have to dig up references or activities and the books I am looking for are at my other work site and this is all part of the task.
Rather than look at every unexpected task as an obstacle I see it as part of the task itself. A tiny switch of perspective that has made a big difference in my stress level. I find myself calmer and more relaxed as I get through my tasks.
What are your small switches that make a big difference in your world? What is one thing you can do today, that will move you towards your joy?
Enjoy your day!