Our November theme on Wit & Delight is about constructing—and sustaining—a way of focus. It’s about saying “no” extra typically so we are able to say “sure” to the issues that truly matter. It’s about giving our power to the issues we actively select and letting go of the issues we don’t.
Whereas it in fact isn’t at all times attainable, I’ve been making an attempt to implement this mindset rather more typically in my lifetime of late. I’ve been actively asking myself, What can I say no to? What boundaries can I set?
At this time I’m sharing a number of of the tangible methods I’m discovering focus proper now, in what’s a really busy season of my life. Even when the practices under don’t *all* apply to you, I hope you continue to discover some takeaways you possibly can implement in your individual life.
5 Methods I’m Discovering Focus Proper Now
1. Much less speeding
I’ve a deeply ingrained tendency to hurry by means of issues, even after I don’t really should be in a rush. I’ll rush by means of the method of preparing, rush by means of errands, rush by means of chopping greens—you identify it, I rush it. The factor is, I don’t really need to be rushed—or really feel the ensuing frazzled sensation—particularly in conditions the place it’s pointless. Once I really feel like I’m speeding for no purpose, I’m making an attempt to pay attention to it, deliberately decide whether or not it’s really obligatory, and decelerate if it’s not.
2. Much less perfection
All through the complete first half of November, a minimum of one individual in our family has been sick with some form of nasty virus (not COVID, fortunately!). It’s taken a toll on us all and it’s made me understand that some issues have to provide. Due to this, we’ve been much less targeted on issues needing to be “excellent” in our residence, notably earlier than we go to mattress. Joe and I’ll tidy a little bit if wanted however in any other case, we’ll flip off the lights and fall asleep. On this season of life particularly, specializing in high quality relaxation has been rather more essential than a superbly put-together residence.
3. Much less attachment to issues
The teachings from my spending freeze are nonetheless very current in my life, notably relating to clothes and accessories. Most of my buying is finished on-line and whereas I’ve discovered myself ordering greater than I did earlier this yr, I’ve additionally discovered myself returning extra. I’ve turn into a lot much less connected to particular gadgets and rather more snug saying “no” to issues that aren’t for me. I’ve additionally turn into extra snug with a slower buying course of. The slower strategy takes extra power and time, however it tends to result in issues I really need and can put on for the lengthy haul.
4. Extra concentrate on the current
This concentrate on much less attachment has prolonged past my spending habits too. I’ve additionally been making use of it to different areas of life, notably relating to outcomes I’m searching for or objectives I’m pursuing. I’ve been making an attempt to carry this stuff actually flippantly, not overcomplicating them and never speaking myself out of choices I’ve already made.
In my day-to-day, what’s helped me most on this space is working towards energetic meditation—taking note of what’s taking place within the current second fairly than fretting a lot over the previous or future. My wandering thoughts is on the root of a whole lot of my anxiousness, which is why specializing in the current is so key.
In my day-to-day, what’s helped me most on this space is working towards energetic meditation—taking note of what’s taking place within the current second fairly than fretting a lot over the previous or future.
5. Extra belief
I used to be considering not too long ago about final Thanksgiving (and the complete vacation season generally). Trying again on final yr, I actually overdid it. I felt like I wanted to do extra, extra, extra to make the complete season particular for my household and everybody else we have been spending time with.
The fact is that I can plan a number of easy issues (and ask for assist from others) and the ensuing expertise will likely be completely pleasant all by itself. I can belief the method, belief myself, and belief that no matter we select to concentrate on on this busy season of life will likely be sufficient.
Kate is at the moment studying to play the Ukulele, a lot to the despair of her husband, youngsters, and canines. Observe her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
