Our November theme on Wit & Delight is about constructing—and sustaining—a way of focus. It’s about saying “no” extra usually so we will say “sure” to the issues that really matter. It’s about giving our vitality to the issues we actively select and letting go of the issues we don’t.
Whereas it in fact isn’t all the time doable, I’ve been making an attempt to implement this mindset way more usually in my lifetime of late. I’ve been actively asking myself, What can I say no to? What boundaries can I set?
At the moment I’m sharing just a few of the tangible methods I’m discovering focus proper now, in what’s a really busy season of my life. Even when the practices under don’t *all* apply to you, I hope you continue to discover some takeaways you possibly can implement in your individual life.
5 Methods I’m Discovering Focus Proper Now
1. Much less speeding
I’ve a deeply ingrained tendency to hurry by means of issues, even once I don’t really need to be in a rush. I’ll rush by means of the method of preparing, rush by means of errands, rush by means of chopping greens—you identify it, I rush it. The factor is, I don’t really need to be rushed—or really feel the ensuing frazzled sensation—particularly in conditions the place it’s pointless. Once I really feel like I’m speeding for no motive, I’m making an attempt to be aware of it, deliberately decide whether or not it’s really mandatory, and decelerate if it’s not.
2. Much less perfection
All through your complete first half of November, at the very least one particular person in our family has been sick with some form of nasty virus (not COVID, fortunately!). It’s taken a toll on us all and it’s made me understand that some issues have to offer. Due to this, we’ve been much less centered on issues needing to be “excellent” in our residence, significantly earlier than we go to mattress. Joe and I’ll tidy a bit of if wanted however in any other case, we’ll flip off the lights and fall asleep. On this season of life particularly, specializing in high quality relaxation has been way more vital than a superbly put-together residence.
3. Much less attachment to issues
The teachings from my spending freeze are nonetheless very current in my life, significantly relating to clothes and niknaks. Most of my purchasing is completed on-line and whereas I’ve discovered myself ordering greater than I did earlier this 12 months, I’ve additionally discovered myself returning extra. I’ve turn into a lot much less connected to particular gadgets and way more snug saying “no” to issues that aren’t for me. I’ve additionally turn into extra snug with a slower purchasing course of. The slower method takes extra vitality and time, however it tends to result in issues I really need and can put on for the lengthy haul.
4. Extra give attention to the current
This give attention to much less attachment has prolonged past my spending habits too. I’ve additionally been making use of it to different areas of life, significantly relating to outcomes I’m looking for or objectives I’m pursuing. I’ve been making an attempt to carry these items actually evenly, not overcomplicating them and never speaking myself out of choices I’ve already made.
In my day-to-day, what’s helped me most on this space is training lively meditation—being attentive to what’s taking place within the current second moderately than fretting a lot over the previous or future. My wandering thoughts is on the root of lots of my anxiousness, which is why specializing in the current is so key.
In my day-to-day, what’s helped me most on this space is training lively meditation—being attentive to what’s taking place within the current second moderately than fretting a lot over the previous or future.
5. Extra belief
I used to be considering not too long ago about final Thanksgiving (and your complete vacation season typically). Wanting again on final 12 months, I actually overdid it. I felt like I wanted to do extra, extra, extra to make your complete season particular for my household and everybody else we had been spending time with.
The truth is that I can plan just a few easy issues (and ask for assist from others) and the ensuing expertise will probably be completely pleasant all by itself. I can belief the method, belief myself, and belief that no matter we select to give attention to on this busy season of life will probably be sufficient.
Kate is at the moment studying to play the Ukulele, a lot to the despair of her husband, youngsters, and canines. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
