The New Year is fast approaching, and with it thoughts of habits I want to build and ones I’d like to break in 2016. The standard goals are there for me (and most everyone I know). Exercise more. Eat better. Be more present with my loved ones. My Achilles heels, though, are my own.
The worst habit I have—the most destructive to my health, relationships, and peace of mind—is trying to do too much. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “I just need another five minutes to finish this up,” then saw that an hour (or more) had passed. The second-worst culprit here is, “I’ll just do this one more thing…”
Maybe it initially felt like the project I was working on was important, but afterwards, I almost always feel a sense of unease or loss. This hits me on an even bigger scale with my writing. I tell myself, “Oh, I’ll get on top of the cleaning/start exercising/start eating better just as soon as I finish this piece. It won’t be too much longer.” (Spoiler alert, Cass—yes, it will be too much longer!).
I’ve already begun searching for a better sense of balance in my life. Instead of putting off important things, I’m going to carve out more time to take care of myself and be with my loved ones. I’m stepping out of the trap of “as soon as…” and doing what I want and need to be doing right now.
What about you? Have you thought about your plans for the next year?
Ohh, this is such a good one! I always have to remind myself that there’s not some golden time later when I won’t be doing stuff. If I’m going to pay attention to life and really enjoy it, it’s going to have to happen right now.
Exactly! I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂