Yup, that’s right … waste.
I could self-diagnose myself with “I’m-so-excited-about-my-new-idea-I-have-to-finish-it-as-soon-as-possible syndrome.” I’m a doer. When I have an idea I want to do it immediately. Regardless of what is going on I just can’t seem to tear myself away until the rewarding completion. I’ve been sitting too long and my back is hurting; doesn’t matter. There are 10 other things that are more important; they can wait. It’s getting late and I’ll be exhausted in the morning; who cares. I could justify anything, but at what cost?
The startling truth is that this attitude stems from a lack of self-control and patience. I’m so focused, so driven to finish what I’ve started that I literally can’t seem to make myself stop. It’s similar to the workaholic. Oh she’s so productive … you would think. Speaking from experience I believe the opposite to be true.
The need for over-productivity has been praised and applauded in the workplace. Employees receive bonuses and raises for exceeding their goals by record-breaking numbers. Workers boast of their commitment to the company, logging a 60+ hour work week. They don’t realize that when rushing through the busyness of work they’ve so worn themselves out that they have nothing left to give to their family. The feeling has spread throughout our society urging people not to stop their busy lives, but merely to accommodate their demanding schedule. Fast food, microwave and all-in-a-box meals cater to this mentality. Keep going, keep doing, it’s the American Dream! Fantastic isn’t it? Hmm …
I believe we’ve lost the value of something here; the value of taking your time to do something well. The photo you see above is the back side of a quilt that, in haste, I sewed over on itself right before it was finished. I sat there ever-so-carefully ripping stitches and thinking how I had been over-motivated. Foolish. Not only is the quality of my finished product slightly less than I’m capable of, I actually ended up wasting time as a result of my excitement to finish.
I believe this relates in so many areas. You could be so focused on purchasing a vehicle or a home that you don’t take your time to shop wisely or to save the deposit that you should. Perhaps you’re so dedicated to a project that you miss a little too much time at home. You might be so busy dreaming about what’s in your future that you’re missing out on some incredible moments today.
Our rushed mentality rarely is to our benefit. When I was young I learned to count to 10 when I was angry in order to avoid making a poor choice. Sometimes I need to remember that as an adult too. Taking care of yourself and completing tasks in a deliberate and thought-out manner will increase the quality of your productivity. Rushing through tasks helps you complete them quickly, but not to excel at them, and certainly not to master them.
And now to use the second catch-phrase of this post … anything worth doing is worth doing well. Slow down and take some time to focus on what you’re doing. What in your life is worth doing well? What things have you learned are better accomplished at a slower pace? Have you learned this frustrating truth the hard way too?
Why I do what I do ~ Tomorrow my daughter and I (wish my hubby was coming too!) are going to cut down our Christmas tree and have hot cocoa and cookies with friends. We can’t wait!
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