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Opportunity can be overwhelming. I read a lot of blogs and books about abundance, living fully, and creating the life you want.
While there is nothing wrong with wanting to get the most out of your time here on earth, I have found that too many choices can lead to indecision and paralyzing fear.
When my kids were little it was all about limiting choices. Whether it was the cereal they were eating for breakfast, or the clothes they would wear to school, I always presented them with a maximum of two options. This gave them a sense of power and control without overwhelming them with too much freedom.
When I hear sayings like “the world is your oyster” I become filled with a desire to stop dead in my tracks. When I’m offered everything, I become flooded by anxiety, and ultimately choose nothing.
As a mother I intuitively knew how to shrink the world down for my children, but I definitely have to work at doing this for myself as an adult. I have certainly learned that setting limits and boundaries is healthy and adaptive when it comes to progress and productivity, but doing it is another matter.
The takeaway is that small bite size pieces make life manageable and digestible. A gluttonous approach leads to a feeling of being overstuffed and lethargic.
There is no need to swallow things whole, life is about tasting and savoring every small moment and experience.
Here are 5 ways to make life doable so you can keep on doing:
Practice mindfulness
Staying in the present moment has become a mantra for many of us, but we definitely forget to practice it. Doing what is immediately in front of you is always a good place to start. When you are pulled to the vastness of “everything” bring yourself back to “this”.
Do Something
It’s easy to focus on the outcome instead of the actions needed to get there. When you think to far ahead, or only see the big picture you are generating a sense of powerlessness and overwhelm. Pick one thing to do, and do it well. Drop the rest.
Make a choice
If your list of things to do looks like a scroll then it’s time to narrow it down. You are only one person and thus can’t do everything. Pick two things to accomplish or work toward and let the rest wait. Setting this boundary with yourself is a great life lesson that will translate to more than what you have to do today.
Less is more
You’ve heard it before, but it’s true. Instead of focusing on all of the abundance you can have in your life, turn your attention to what you do have. It may not feel like enough, but that’s probably because you aren’t assigning enough value to it. Doing less does not equate with failure, it’s actually an act of maturity and responsibility.
Chew slowly
By this I mean savor what you are focusing on. Instead of rushing through what’s on your plate, immerse yourself in every bite. Whatever you are doing in this moment is all there is. Don’t just cross something off your list, be in it so you can come out the other end fulfilled and satisfied with what you have accomplished.
