Set the pace of the day. Don’t let the day set the pace.
For today, don’t let other people’s drama or lack of planning set the pace. Don’t let deadlines or pressure from what other people think set the pace. Don’t let your desire to be recognized or productive or efficient set the pace. Don’t even let a full schedule and busyness set the pace.
Instead, for today, pursue quality above all. Pursue it at a natural pace. Ignore the draw of completion bias. Do your tasks well. Enjoy doing them. Focus on depth.
Don’t let tension build. Breath deeply. Focus. Stay steady to the end. No need to sprint as the finish line draws near. There are no places. Only quality and joy.
Don’t be hard on yourself. Don’t add unnecessary tasks. Take one step. Then another. Stop and think between steps if you want.
Don’t be pushed. Don’t be pulled. Ignore distractions. Settle in and indulge on a single track. Relish spending time in the details.
Set the pace of the day. Don’t let the day set the pace.
What if for just one day, you allowed yourself a singular focus? Maybe start with an afternoon or just a couple of hours. Could you accomplish something more with this deep work than what happens in the shallowness of rush and hurry?
This idea presents a way to apply the Comfortably Uncomfortable approach by taking away rather than by doing something more or new. Are you up for the challenge?
Discussion: How can you set the pace of your day instead of letting the day set your pace?
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Great perspective for our days. Slow down, enjoy the moment, stay present!
Hi Kari! These are wise words. I decided to do just that this week and this morning especially. I usually go to the Y at lunch time. For the past 5 1/2 months my mission has been to rehab my new knee. But lately I have been going just for me. This week has been crazy with lunch appointments. So twice this week I got up a little earlier (3:00) to ride my bike inside. That put behind my whole morning since I normally start at 3:30, shower, then spend time alone with God. I try to get to the office then by 5:00. I chose to do that today and found myself doing what I wanted/needed to do and still found myself at the office by 5. At 72 i still find myself motivated by my job but I also find myself taking it slower.