12 TRUTHS ABOUT HOW YOU CAN LEAD A BUSY, FULFILLING LIFE.

This article is derived from “12 Myths That Lead To A Busy, Unfulfilling Life” by Greg McKeon.

Truth: In order to have focus, we need space to focus

Myth: “I’m too busy to think about life”

Take some time from the routine of checking your e-mails, hanging out with your friends, reading that book you are not enjoying or attending that irrelevant meeting and just get away from everything to get your mind clear. Be in a different environment, feel new surroundings and get some new space to figure things out.

Truth: We can try to avoid trade-offs, but we can’t escape them. We have to make a choice.

Myth: “If you can fit it in you should fit it in”

When faced with tough choices as to whether to commit your effort in one direction and to turn your back on the other, try as much as you can to choose one and to work on it perfectly. Calculate your possible losses and abandon the choice(s) that will be less affected. Be bold and sure with yourself and go ahead to make a good trade off.

Truth: There is a joy in missing out. Discover it

Myth: “If everyone is doing it then I need to do it”

A different life is possible. Do not be the flag that just follows the direction of the wind. Be ready to be viewed differently. Take it as you choose, don’t be defined to how taking things positively and negatively is done. Be you. If you’ve chosen to miss out from something on your own terms, justify it to yourself by doing what you wanted to do instead to the best of your abilities.

Dreams Dont Work Unless You Do. You Will Have To Forego Many Things To See Your Dreams Come True

Truth: You can’t emphasize everything – its arithmetic.

Myth: “Everything is important”

Not everything has to be done to perfection or has to be prioritized. De-clutter essentials from non-essential tasks and duties. Let go of minor issues.

Truth: Saying yes to everything is a form of madness

Myth: “Being a team player means always saying yes with a smile.”

The urge to help everyone every time will derail you. Don’t engage yourself with people who can’t always tackle challenges that come their way. Choose when to say no to people who approach you pointlessly just because they know you are efficient and competent enough to get things done. Being selective with the help you give will give you more time to get your own stuff done first before you assist others.

Work Because You Love Doing What It Is That You Do

Truth: Sleep is for high performers.

Myth: “I’ll stay up late and get it done.”

It is okay to give in to fatigue but do not expose your weakness or laziness by telling everyone how you need to always sleep at 10 and wake up at 8 to keep yourself awake the next day. Get enough rest yes, determine how long you sleep by assessing what you achieved against what you set out to before your day tomorrow begins. Don’t simply subscribe to other people’s patterns. You are different.

Truth: You should never force anything

Myth:  “When things don’t fit, force them”

Be truthful. A round bolt doesn’t fit in a square hole, unless you take that time you are using to force it in to make a round hole for it.

Truth: Life is pathetically short

Myth: “I have plenty of time to get to that.”

Follow Grandpa Robert Freeman (in Boondocks comic strip series)’s advice that you will sleep forever when you die. Your to be done list will be flooding if you keep interacting with the same people and you don’t do your tasks in time.