Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
“I’ve been trying to simplify my life and focus more on everyday pleasures. I’ve cut down on a bunch of stuff, but my life is as crazy as ever. What’s the problem?”
I don’t know the intimate details of anyone’s schedule but my own, but I’ve got an almost surefire way to figure out why this person’s life is still miles from simple. But first, some background. How many times have said, “I totally love doing Activity X. I’m so into it!” Maybe it’s at a cocktail party, chat in the break room, or even in your own head. You might say it’s your passion. Unfortunately, you never get to do it. Life always manages to get in the way. You may say you love that activity and be completely sincere, but your actions tell the real story.
The stuff we spend our minutes on? That’s our real priority.
The Story Behind Our Actions
Our actions tell the real story of our lives and our passions. In my case, I say that I love to sew, and I do, but I complete about three projects a year. The rest of the time, I’m blogging, I’m gardening, I’m listening to Def Leppard. Those are the real passions in my life. That doesn’t mean I can’t sew, but it does mean that I can’t sit around blaming other people for eating into my prized sewing time.
So back to the question that started this all. What’s the problem? Why is life still so crazy? Day to day life will tell the story. Perhaps there are too many commitments clogging up the schedule and eating up your down time. Maybe you’re getting sucked into your friends’ drama on a regular basis, making you feel stressed and unable to get away. Who knows—maybe too much time spent at work or on the Internet is taking away the time that could be used for the bedrock components of a simple life.
Get Back to the Life You Love, One Minute at a Time
Whatever story the schedule tells, your minutes rarely lie. Whenever your goals and your image of your life don’t seem to line up quite right, it’s time to go back to basics. Take a closer look at where your minutes are spent and rearrange as needed. No guilt, no regret: just smile and remember that you’ve got the power to create your life as you see fit, one minute—and one action—at a time.
Photo courtesy of kainet
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
Comments
04.23.09
I totally hear you on this. I have a friend that constantly complains about not having time to do this or that and like yourself, she likes to sew but it took her 1 year to buy her sewing machine and she has yet to even start a project. I keep telling her to write down her goals for this year and stick to them. Don't make excuses like, "I don't have time to buy material". I always tell her that she does but she just chooses not to. She'd rather go to Winners and shop for cheap clothes after work than to go and buy material.
It's frustrating has hell listening to her wine about her life and complain complain complain!! I'll have to send her this blog.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
