Sometimes things just need to fall off your plate.
NOTE: This post has been updated with new information and moved to here:
5 Signs You’ve Been Doing Too Much for Too Long
Photo by: Greg Rakozy
Practical Tips for Productive Living
Sometimes things just need to fall off your plate.
NOTE: This post has been updated with new information and moved to here:
Photo by: Greg Rakozy
Christian says
🙂
Marc Chernoff says
Christian, it’s great to hear that both this post and that particular quote from our book resonated with you. Thank you for continuing to support our work.
Sarah says
A refreshing blog. I notice a difference / change after reading this today.
Megan Kirby says
Yes!
Marc Chernoff says
You are welcome, Megan.
E says
I so do this ! The feeling that I need to say yes to every event / activity at my kids school. I always feel overwhelmed. I also am surrounded by clutter & it’s so true it affects me mentally! Thanks for more great advice. I have to realize it’s ok to say no!
Stefany says
So refreshing and 100% true. We try to fill our day with everything, we just do not rest anymore and take the time to enjoy some alone time. It’s like we are allergic to not being busy. While we may be thinking that we are making process, we are actually moving in never ending circles.
Diane Tetreault says
Marc,
Many thanks for this entry. It re-centers me and gives me the opportunity to make this day more satisfying. Your timing is perfect!!!!!
Elva says
After a sometimes frazzled day of dealing with assorted customers, I take a mini-vacation. No, I can’t afford to go anywhere, don’t have the time or the money. However, I can turn off the phone, click through to YouTube, and take a drive through Scotland, or Alaska, or __________ wherever I might like to visit. I can imagine a gentle breeze, the wonderful smell of pine trees, hear the gentle trickle of water in a creek. Possibilities are endless. Just tell your family “Please don’t disturb” for the hour or so you are going to be “elsewhere.” Peace and hope from Elva.
Marc Chernoff says
I love your thought process here, Elva. Cheers to traveling in the heart and mind. 🙂
Ediebee says
One of the things that you will discover as you age is that it becomes impossible to do as much as you used to do – both physically and mentally. I think that the key is to learn to slow down and enjoy your life as you go – the images, people, work and leisure that help to make you whole. And it also helps when you look back – not at your accomplishments, but at your satisfaction with your life and your sense of being in the world. A favorite quote of mine is: “There are years that ask questions, and years that answer.” The answering years are really amazing!
Marc Chernoff says
Ediebee, thank you for reminding me of that quote. Such a beautiful perspective.
Damjana says
Today I had to slow down because of vertigo which makes ordinary tasks more difficult. I had a great workout yesterday. Wished to go running today, but instead I’ll just rest, that’s all I can do. It seems that life wants me to slow down and makes me appreciate the moments when I can do everything without limits
Marg Trollope says
I deal with vertigo.
I have found if I get over tired, over hungry, over stressed or make sudden dipping or rolling over moves an attack is triggered.
Hmmm…I have learned…
All the best….
…and Yes! Stop and ‘smell the roses’.
Life is not a dress rehearsal!
Marko Zupanic says
It’s a great article. A reminder that we all must learn to slow down in our life 😉
Marg Trollope says
Thank you!!
As always…God gives me the exact ‘nudge’ at the time I most need it!!
Thanks to God and thanks to you for being His ‘messangers”!!
Have a GREAT day!!!!
Michele Palkki, Grand Rapids Minnesota says
It is not a coincidence that I came across this email. I am one of those people who seem to never say no. I know there are many like me that feel they can do just one more thing and then it goes on and on!.
I decided the first of the year that I needed a break. I was very overwhelmed; I work full time, my husband depends on me quite a lot (legally blind and has a prosthetic just below the right knee). He does get along pretty well but a lot falls on my shoulders.
I help at church with greeter, Worship Team Backup Singer, K-5 administrative work, am the Secretary for the local women’s Business Club and the list goes on and on. Can you tell that I don’t say no very often:) Well I decided that I would gradually drop out of areas and let others take a turn. It is so hard for me to say that one word (NO) not at this time, however, people figure out you will always say yes and before you know it you are swamped once again.
I am doing pretty good, I only have a couple of commitments now and will try very hard to not commit myself. I am adjusting my priorities and in time I hope that I will stop and listen and hear the Lord’s voice tell me ‘go ahead this is right up your ally).
Thank you for your article, it was right on point.
David Rapp says
thanks
Madhumita Dasgupta says
Awesome!
Marc Chernoff says
Spot on, as usual!
Rita says
What a good reminder – I know I was one take a weeks vacation and then work at home and catch up. Now I do believe I am suffering from an emotional burnout so I am finally cutting back and resting more and taking time for myself… and I now work 2 days a week until I can retire in 5 months.
Lexa says
I guess I have the opposite problem in my life. I don’t have enough TO do and have too much time on my hands and that isn’t necessarily good either. I would like to be busy, well healthy balance of busy and time for me. I work 8 hrs a day five days a week, we are slow now so I have time on my hands at work too. On the weekends I can drive and see my daughter and grand kids but most of the time they are doing something. I have no family to visit. So what does a person do with too much time on their hands? No one has ever talked about being alone and bored.
Madhumita Dasgupta says
Dear Lexa,
Sometimes giving back to society is very fulfilling. Yoga is also a good form of exercise that can fill you with peace and bliss and give you balance. Why not take up a hobby? And it is a beautiful journey of self discovery if you take long walks by yourself:) Cheers! You will find your way!
Ronda Onken says
This article is totally me. Two years ago in July I retired. After 7 weeks of retirement my husband passed away. I went thru the motions of getting the things done I had to do. Previous to my retirement I learned how to groom dogs and planned to groom a few dogs each week. I am so busy grooming I don’t have time to travel with my sister, go to lunch with friends, or attend my grandchildren’s activities as I had planned. In addition my house is chaotic. I started redecorating my family room over a year ago. I need to go through closets and purge. I have spent so much time staying busy I don’t have time to enjoy. The yoking has also taken a toll on my health, carpal tunnel, pulled muscles, allergies. Today I decided I am in control and need to groom less and finish my projects so there will be less stress in my life.
Debie Grace says
These are all so true! This is why I keep two lists – one for all the tasks and one for the top 3 (or less) important things to be done and the rest will follow if I still have time. 🙂
Madhumita Dasgupta says
I am completely blown away over this masterpiece of a post! And thanks for this timely reminder!!
What beautiful thoughts: Open uncluttered space, appreciate space, time with family, time for self, time for exercise.
And I can understand because the moment of seeing the tea flow into the cup is as mesmerizing as sipping the fragrant brew; the moment of holding your child’s hand is as fulfilling as watching him / her walk up to you; the moment of realizing that you are breathing and “being” is as achieving your next “material ” goal or creating a success story.
I loved it.
Thanks, Marc and Angel!
Matt Kohn says
THANK YOU. Couldn’t agree more. We need to really start working smarter and doing less.
— Matt Kohn
Zia Rahman says
Thank You! You put me back on a slower, healthier track now. 🙂
Laurie says
Thanks
Kathy from CT says
🙂
Dj says
As always, hits the mark at just the right time. The more I experience and trust in whatever, whoever, created this universe, the more I am convinced it really is Love. It always seems to know just what I need and just when I need it. All I have to do really is relax and trust it! That’s the part I struggle with unfortunately!
Hildah says
Thank you, Marc and Angel.
liam hawes says
It’s funny how I was reading an article the other day about a business that switched to a half day for all their staff and it actually increased output. Definitely time to start doing less hours.