Your bookshelf is overflowing with books you haven’t read. Your to-do list is a hundred items long and you’ve only checked off two. There’s so much you want to do, to see, to obtain and the wanting has you overwhelmed.
Somewhere in the back of your mind, you’re frantically trying to find a way to grab it all up in your tight little fists and stuff it into your life.
But life is not a hot dog eating contest. You don’t have to cram it all in. With no time to chew and savor, you’re left with regret and a mean case of indigestion.
One Bite at a Time
Take just one book off your shelf and read it – and enjoy it. Spending an hour with one good book is far better than shopping for three more that will only add to your guilt and collection of things undone. You can buy another book when you’ve finished the one you’re reading.
Draw one picture, just one picture, and take your time. Notice the curves and the angles and the shapes. Get lost in it, swim in it, live in it. Drawing one picture as best you can is better than wishing you could draw a dozen more. When you’re finished, you’ll have something to hold and gaze upon, and you’ll be better than when you began. Then you’ll be ready to draw the next one.
Chew Your “Food”.
Take any of the things you wish to do (It doesn’t matter which one.), and do it, and only it. Let go of all the other things for just this time. They’ll still be there when you’re done. But for now, do this one thing and let it soak your bones.
Multitasking, neuroscientists have repeatedly shown, is a myth. Your brain simply can’t focus on more than one thing at a time. All that switching about shortens the attention span and lessens your ability to enjoy and be at peace with the task at hand.
Let others aim for quantity. Set your sights on quality. Use all your senses and really experience what you’re doing. It will make everything you do afterwards that much richer.
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Hi Ken… I just happened to stumble upon your website…we both know I didn’t just stumble here, I was meant to find you. I love this blog about life not being a hot dog eating contest…great analogy. AND SO TRUE…you gave me a lot to think about. Thanks so much …. I just signed up for your newsletter….I can’t wait to start getting inspired more often.
GOD BLESS…deb
So glad to know you’re a subscriber. I hope you find it helpful.