Do Less
One of the silver linings of 2020 is that most everyone has slowed down and done less. Weekends packed with activities have become quiet time at home with family. The frantic need to see everyone and stay in touch has been replaced by meaningful virtual calls with friends and loved ones.
Many people are discovering that they like this slower, more deliberate pace. As we take time to reflect and rest and be thoughtful, good things come flowing into our lives. I hope you’ll consider giving yourself permission to continue to do less, no matter how much things get “back to normal.”
I’m not suggesting we stop working hard or don’t have goals we are pursuing. But the work we do can be more focused and the goals better considered. Giving our full attention to one task at a time brings better results and less stress. Being diligent can look like a calm steady pursuit, not a frantic rat race.
My life has improved this year as I’ve taken time to nurture myself and given myself permission to let some things go that were not serving me well. Taking time for exercise, or to read each evening, keeps me centered and improves my health and productivity.
As much as I have missed all the travel and time with friends, I have enjoyed quiet weekends with the new guy I’m dating, free from endless distractions and appointments that would interfere with our quiet time together. I’ve loved weekly virtual calls with my family, and we have connected this year in ways we have not before.
I’ve taken time to bake, and read, and listen to music, and watch some good TV and movies. Moving more slowly and trying to do less each day has made my days more joyful and more productive. The time I do spend working is more focused and creative.
As we take time to reflect and look forward at the end of the year, I hope you’ll consider keeping some space in your life and not packing every moment with tasks. As Shirley Dorritie says, “A happy life is just a string of happy moments. But most people don’t allow the happy moment, because they’re so busy trying to get a happy life.”
Tim Hinton
December 12, 2020
