Category: Choosy

Busting the zombies

It’s the start of a new month, at the the start of a new season. The spirit of change is in the air, bringing with it inspiration and energy. At times like these, my first instinct is to start afresh a new project or two.

But not this month. This month, I’m going to put that instinct on hold and instead focus on finishing the things I’ve already started.

This month, it’s zombie busting time.

Photo by Chris Hall on Unsplash

Zombies are half-done projects or actions. They are neither fully dead, nor fully alive, but nevertheless very real and ready to suck the energy and focus from your space and your life.

Zombies distract and hold you back.

Luckily, killing zombies isn’t that hard. It usually takes two forms:

  • For those things you’re excited about: Finish them. Or at least make a plan on how you’re going to get them done. Recognize they’re worth the time and effort, and reignite your commitment to get it done.
  • For those things that you’re not feeling: Move on. Admit it, deal with it, and move forward guilt and shame free. Holding on will only hold you back, so don’t beat yourself up for deciding to changing course.

For me, I’m planning to finish a scarf for my daughter, finally finish the book Big Potential, and attempt a scrap fabric wall hanging I’ve been considering for some time. I’m planning to let go of the dream of knitting a baby sweater, put the idea of investing in a rental unit on ice (for the moment anyway), and get rid of the fabrics I’m not planning to use.

So go for it. Bust those zombies.

And get ready to focus more on the things you love.

Action

  • What are your zombies – ideas and actions neither dead nor alive, but vying for your attention?
  • For those that motivate you – create a plan on how to get it done.
  • For those in which you’ve lost your interest – admit it. Give yourself permission to move on. Do whatever you need to clear your space, schedule & head.

How much is enough?

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of “enough”…

So what is Enough, exactly?

Enough is the exact amount that provides fulfillment without excess. Less wouldn’t be enough, but more would be overkill. Like in the story of Goldilocks, it is the portion that is neither too hot, nor too cold. And the idea can apply to most things:

  • Enough salary
  • Enough house
  • Enough responsibility
  • Enough leisure time
  • And so on…

The concept is central in the book “Your Money or Your Life”, first written by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominquez over twenty five years ago. The authors argue that when your definition of enough is more than you have right now, you “condemn yourself to the experience of perpetual poverty.” Ouch.

But on the flip side, when you identify your enough, an organize your life in a way that aligns with that definition, you free yourself to find greater purpose and make greater impact in your life and in that of the community.

So, what’s your enough? You may find you already have it.

Actions:

  • Think about the categories where you spend most of your time and energy, e.g. your work (paid or unpaid), home life, hobbies, etc. For each, what would be “enough”? Consider in particular places where you currently feel unsatisfied, and be honest. For example, if it’s a promotion you’re after, would the promotion really be “enough”, or would it just trigger another cycle of desire?
  • Repeat the activity above, but this time thinking about the categories on which you spend most of your money, e.g. house, food, car, health care, travel, etc. Again, what is “enough”? Can you sense any spaces where you might have excess?
  • The next time you shop, think about the construct of “enough”… you may find you’re already at equilibrium.