You can do more than you think.
You can achieve more than you think.
Your life can be more fulfilling.
One thing that I believe I can do in my twenties is push the limits when it comes to what I can achieve with the time I have. I have met so many people that limit what is possible for them because they hit this ‘glass ceiling’ of what they believe they can manage. I am in no place to judge how people live their lives. There are definitely emotional, physical and spiritual factors that determine what could be seen as a simple decision. But I do believe that all of us could carry a little more.
Fact: Life Will Always Get Busier
Once you have finished studying or school, you get a job. All of a sudden holidays are cut down by 75% and, in most cases, Saturdays are no longer your ‘chill’ day. Then you find that special someone. Spending time is important to you and you work harder to spend more time with them. Things progress and you end up getting married. Financially you need to stretch a bit more, so you take on the side job. A few months/years later, you get a promotion and have children. Goodbye sleep and selfish living. All of a sudden you are responsible for more than just yourself.
I could carry on. But the truth is, you will never have as much time and energy as you do RIGHT NOW.
Fact: The More You Stretch Now, The More You Can Carry Later
Our capacity in life is largely determined by how flexible we are willing to be. The more you are willing to stretch, the more you will be able to carry and stretch further down the line. Stretching is uncomfortable, but it keeps you healthy and enables you to do more without injuring yourself. That extra responsibility you are thinking about taking on, that volunteering opportunity or that skill of yours that you have always dreamed about developing are all on the edges of your life, waiting for you to stretch. Once you say “yes” to the stretch, it will take a while, but that stretch will begin to feel normal. Which will enable you to look at what more you can begin to do.
Fact: Life is a Rhythm, Not a Scale
So many people are obsessed with balance. The idea that certain stresses need to be balanced by time off or other responsibilities. I am all for wise counsel in making sure you don’t burn out, but life is way more fluid than a static scale. There are busy seasons and slow seasons. There are high-pressure responsibilities and invigorating activities that refresh your soul. Instead of trying to barter with the different elements in your life, why not look at what is possible when you take the season in your stride. Sometimes life is a Tango. Sometimes it’s a waltz. Sometimes it’s a ballet recital.
Fact: Quantity Doesn’t Threaten Quality
Doing more does not mean that you compromise quality. In most cases, I have found that doing more motivates me to focus. If I am conscious of four different responsibilities I have today, I have more clarity about the task I am doing. I understand the importance of doing what’s in front of me, as it will set me up to tackle the next task with a sense of achievement. All of a sudden, the ‘rhythm’ of my life gains momentum as I execute what I have decided to take on. I believe you become sharper, more effective and a whole lot more productive if you are busy. A busy person will get something done. You carrying more makes you more reliable to others and yourself.
Fact: Healthy People Carry More
You may think this is a no-brainer, but the health of a person physically, emotionally and spiritually will determine how much you can carry in life. You may be reading this and be a little overwhelmed with the thought of taking on an extra 15 minute task every week. But I believe there are a few principles that need to be in place for you to work at your full capacity and be the best you. For me, it all starts with your spirit. I start my day getting to know a God that is so much bigger than anything I could ever achieve. It is scientifically proven that brain activity is healthier if a person spends time recognising there is something greater than himself or herself. Reading about God, speaking to Him and hearing from Him refreshes my soul and sets my perspective for the day. Without Him, I would honestly be a mess and would not be able to carry any of what I do today. God doesn’t only heal you and make sure you are OK, but also sets you up to be the best you can be. If you are interested in finding out more about Him, click on the link below.