A few weeks ago, one of my best friends gifted me a weekly planner. More specifically, she gifted me a planner that only has space for three daily “to-do” items. If you know me, you know this is a big deal.
I usually fill my entire day with things to do, sometimes down to the minute. That would be fine if I didn’t have a skewed sense of time - I try to fit 90 minutes of activity into an hour.
Over the years, I’ve tried different time management systems - bullet journaling, time blocking, and timer apps. Still, it always feels like there’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done.
Is it laziness? Incompetency? Of course not, but I’d be lying if I told you those thoughts don’t creep in. , the truth is, I’m moving too fast and doing too much.
Hustle culture, “the state of overworking to the point where it becomes a lifestyle”, runs deep in me. I’d rather spend my time producing, being busy and “productive” than to slow down and sit with my own thoughts.
Obviously, if this year has taught me anything, it’s that living this way isn’t practical or sustainable. My obsession with getting things done has impacted my life in more ways than you’ll ever know.
So, as we head into the final weeks of the year, I want to intentionally practice slowing down and doing less. I’m sticking with the planner and keeping my “to-do” list to no more than three commitments (including work) every day. It won’t be easy but my hope is that it will lead to some much needed rest and peace of mind.
, if you feel like you need to slow down, I invite you to join me along this journey. We can do this!
