#11 Doing the Bare Minimum
Having always been a perfectionist, my natural state is that of relentless overworking. Reading 3 times the necessary amount. Doing work no-one will recognise, need or use. Constantly feeling let down (by myself and others) after what feels like throwing away days or weeks of painful dedication.
And why?
Sure, there’s areas of life where I just can’t get around sitting down and putting in the hours. But for most things (if not everything), there’s just something less and smarter I could probably do.
For example: I hate daily routines. I rarely do the same thing two days in a row. Not because I’m spontaneous and fun, but just because I easily get bored. And so, when it comes to daily habits I always wanted to do (journalling comes to mind), I always used to quit after 3 days, feel guilty for 3 months, and pick it up again after 3 years - just to repeat the process.
And so I’ve (way too late in life) come to discover the bare minimum.
What is the bare minimum I can do with something I don’t particularly enjoy, and still reap the rewards?
For me, that’s a once in 2 or 3 weeks journalling routine with pre-made questions. No more painful overworking and self hate.
If I have to be involved in a pointless project I don’t enjoy: what is the bare minimum I can do to get by and focus my energies on doing something I’m actually passionate in?
I know this might seem painfully obvious to the healthy people out there, but it’s been groundbreaking for me. I feel like the sooner I can let go of my ego, and accept that I’m actually not good at/don’t enjoy/do not have to force myself to be passionate about every task I’m given, suddenly, life gets more fun.
Wishing you a great week,
Elizabeth xx
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