Time management has always been a bit of a paradox for me—the constant balancing act between doing less and worrying I’m not doing enough. But here’s what I’ve come to understand: the challenges I’ve faced have offered me an unexpected gift—gratitude. Not just a fleeting appreciation, but the kind of gratitude that brings tears to my eyes. It’s deep. It’s real. And it’s shifted the way I experience my work. It’s more than just loving what I do—it feels like a privilege, and I carry that awareness with me every day.
But it’s not just about passion for the work. Every obstacle I’ve encountered has prepared me for this moment. C.S. Lewis captured it perfectly: “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” That quote resonates with my journey. It feels like I’ve been entrusted with something bigger—something with purpose. So, why stop when excellence is still within reach? Why hold back when there’s more I can give?
In The Surrender Experiment, Michael Singer reminds us to approach the work in front of us with all our heart, as if the universe itself handed it to us—because it did. That’s exactly how I see my work. It comes from a higher place, and I’m here to show up, fully, every day.
But here’s where it deepens. Michael Easter, in The Comfort Crisis, says: “The comfort we seek is often the enemy of the life we desire.” And David Goggins drives it home: “You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.” Those words hit hard. I don’t want comfort to become my barrier. I want to stretch, push, and strive for that next level of excellence. But I also know this: it’s about balance. Hard work has to be paired with care for myself.
For me, nature brings that balance. I’m drawn to the natural rhythms—the seasons, the sunrise, the stillness of the woods. It reminds me that I’m part of something bigger. Nature refuels me and reconnects me with my purpose. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what truly matters.
The deeper truth? My struggle has never been about time management. It’s about the fear that doing less means I’m not tapping into my full potential. But I’ve learned that when I honor life’s natural rhythms—both in work and in rest—I align with something greater than myself. I find harmony in the ebb and flow of life.
Here’s how I’m re-centering my approach to stay grounded in what truly matters:
- Lean into Nature When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to nature. It anchors me, brings me into the present, and reminds me that everything has its season. In these moments of slowing down, my best ideas surface.
- Embrace the Pause I’m learning to let pauses happen. Instead of filling every moment, I’m creating intentional space in my schedule to reflect, recharge, and let creativity rise naturally.
- Prioritize What Matters It’s easy to get caught up in doing more, but I’m focusing on what truly aligns with my values and purpose. If it doesn’t serve that, it doesn’t get my time or energy.
- Listen to the Body My body is a wise guide. When it signals a need to slow down, I’m honoring that. Rest isn’t a sign of failure—it’s an investment in my ability to give more when it matters most.
