How often have you completed a self-help book with a resolve to do everything differently forever? This feeling can undermine personal growth.
I finished Oliver Burkeman’s Meditations for Mortals with exactly that sense – a rah-rah empowerment to let go of my anxiety, live in the present, embrace my limitations, and be productive (but not too much).
He offered several insights for us perfectionists trying to navigate the world – e.g. to accept that everything is and will be imperfect, to do concerted work for three hours and allow enjoyment the rest of the day, to create dailyish practices because they’re more resilient than daily ones.
Despite such well-tempered tips, my over-eager mind still managed to bludgeon itself: You’ve already spent two hours on this post – hurry up and get ’er done! I’m sure it won’t be perfect, but certainly it can be better than this!
Fortunately, Burkeman offers an antidote to these poisonous thoughts:
Do one thing that matters today
This singular phrase brings meaning, focus, limitation, and presence. Practicing it – dailyish – adds up to a life that’s impactful and fulfilling.
Rather than doing everything differently forever, I can do one important thing, today. For me, today, it’s publishing this post. Imperfectly.
What will it be for you?