LAST WEEK'S BREAKTHROUGHS
In last week’s newsletter, I asked you to remove one thing from your calendar that doesn’t fulfill you, and use that time for something that does.
Many of you chose to scale work back. Here’s Elyse:
“This week, I’m taking one of my workdays off the calendar. I’m a 4th grade math and science teacher wrapping up state testing on Tuesday, and it’s also my last year in elementary as I transition to middle school next year. I’m feeling pretty worn down, and my weekends have been filling up quickly with plans I’m excited about, but still leaving me without real time to recharge.
I’ve been feeling some guilt about stepping away from school, but I also know I won’t be able to fully reset without taking a personal day. So I’m choosing to use that time intentionally to rest, reset, and take care of myself.
I’m really grateful for the nudge to make this choice.”
For Gayla, the pressure to fill her calendar is real:
“Today’s question is interesting and wise. In a world where being busy is the norm and subtlety required, I have struggled with my simple and sometimes quiet lifestyle. I cut back to 15 hour workweek three years ago and with the extra free time have felt pressure to not squander it by filling my days completely with activity. This pressure is self imposed as well as from friends continually asking. This last winter I made peace with being home with a clean agenda. Letting go of guilt over a quiet day at home.
I am fulfilled. I have a good life and value it every day.”
Finally, Pat is refusing to “keep busy”:
“You said: ‘Being busy is not being able to add anything else to your calendar. Being fulfilled is not wanting to add anything else to your calendar.’
This post is uniquely timely for me and I couldn’t agree more. Today starts my first full week of retirement.
Many friends and family have provided advice that I must fill my calendar and keep busy in retirement. I’m trying to resist this well intentioned advice. I have spent the last 42 years with a very full calendar. It’s time for me to relax and explore many different things to find what fulfills me.
As I try different things, I must abandon the ones that don’t excite me. The inertia traps loom and threaten to steal away my leisurely pace.”
As always, send your breakthroughs by simply replying to this email. Let me know if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.
Until next week,
Mark Manson
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
My Website – My Books – My YouTube Channel – My Podcast – My App
|
