You can’t do it all.
We are trained in school to believe there is always a “right” answer, which we can find if we only work hard enough or are smart enough. But classes and problem sets are constrained to focus on a limited domain where there can be a single right answer.
In the real world, however, we have to juggle multiple domains that have conflicting “right” answers. For instance, here’s a few domains I juggle:
— The “right” answer for my coaching business is to work harder and take on more clients, as more is better when it comes to work.
— The “right” answer for my family is to spend more time with my kids and my wife, rather than letting my attention be dominated by work.
— The “right” answer as an author is to spend more time writing, withdrawing from other activities like my coaching or my family so I can focus on writing.
— The “right” answer for my physical health is to spend more time exercising, sleeping, eating better, and resting so that my body can continue to support my other activities.
— The “right” answer for my mental health is to spend more time meditating and journaling, and giving myself more time to recharge rather than overscheduling myself.
— The “right” answer as a social being is to spend more time with friends who help me feel like I belong, so that I feel less lonely and stressed.
— The “right” answer as a citizen is to spend more time getting out the vote, working on social causes, and contributing to my community.
And there’s still more! I “should” also be keeping up with the news, reading more books, cooking more meals at home, and learning new skills.
The reality is I just can’t do it all. Neither can you. There is far too much to do, and no possible way to do all those things I “should” do. And yet I keep getting tripped up because I know the “right” thing to do in each area and feel like I “should” be able to do it.
The constraint, of course, is time and attention. I can’t do it all because there’s only so many hours in the day. Each individual commitment feels attainable, but they far exceed my capacity in aggregate. Rather than feel constantly behind by trying to do it all, I encourage you to consciously choose how you will spend your limited time and energy.
What domains are you juggling? What possibilities appear if you accept you don’t have to do it all?
I explore this theme of conscious choice in my new book, You Have A Choice: Beyond Hard Work to Meaningful Impact, coming out on Monday, November 6th. This week, I will be posting insights from the book every day to give you a sneak peek into the contents. Click the bell on my profile to get notified about my new posts!
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