Can we please all stop pretending
Having read one of the most refreshing time management books ever, I’m left reeling with the author’s poignant message.
We can’t get everything done. We will never get it all done.
I always thought I was doing something wrong, because I failed to get everything ticked off the day’s to do list. Feeling sick when I had more on the list at the end of the day, than I had at the start. Therefore this blatant message was a breath a fresh air. Or rather it was like opening all the windows and doors on a very windy day.
It left a mental mess that had to be tidied up, but once I recovered from the blow, I felt renewed to change what I do and how I go about doing it. It’s unlikely to be easy, and I won’t get it all done. Yet I feel energised for the first time in a very long time.
Is it possible we could put a stop to this irrational feeling that we’re coming up short every single day?
I have achieved many things in the last ten years of business, but never once have I felt on top of it. I have felt overwhelmed, cried with frustration, and most Friday nights felt like a failure.
I confess I’ve played a part in this act by suggesting time management tips to others. Admittedly, on a good day they work, but life is messy which means they too fall short before the week is out.
If we truly want to be kind to our fellow human beings, the most compassionate thing we can do is stop pretending we will get it all done, or giving the opinion that we are getting it all done…
领英推荐
We’re not inadequate. We’re hallucinating.?
Kind Regards, Helen Monaghan
Financial Director at HM Finance Coaching Ltd and Founder of The Financial Resilience Hub
5+ Stars!
This book is the first non-fiction business book I have read cover to cover in less than 3 days. I literally could not put it down. It will pull you in, twist you around and spit you out (in a good way!) facing the opposite direction, or at least one with a much nicer view.
Four Thousand weeks: Time management for mortals
by Oliver Burkeman
Helping you make sense of business finance
2 年I can echo what you describe Helen. 5 years of looking after my parents has left me emotionally and mentally drained. I've taken to only having 6 things on my to-do list every day, and I can usually manage those 6. It has been a real help to, as only 6 things means I have to focus on "What's REALLY essential?" rather than hallucinating about "What are all the infinite things I could set myself as goals?"
There is a saying "lead yourself before leading others". The same for control. If you have'nt got control of self and direction of travel, then steering your ship will be a challenge. During the pandemic those more in control were able to pivot and benefit from the new opportunties.
Part-time FD | Business partner | Pentlands Accountants and advisors | ACMA, CGMA
2 年I’ve often been able to relate to that Helen I’ve tried to manage it by changing my definition of being on top of things from getting everything done to at least having a plan for getting it done (albeit one that is constantly being put back!). I wasn’t ticking off more things, but I felt that I had control and I was therefore happier.