People who say they want more time really want this instead
Most productivity experts begin their advice under the assumption that we seek “more time.” But more time is not really what we seek.
What We Really Seek
In the moments when we feel overwhelmed, overworked and overtired, when the to-do list stretches for miles and the inbox is overflowing, when the walls feel like they are caving in, the common reaction is not “I need more time.”
More time just opens the door for more to do.
What I hear most from people is a desire for a timeout. They want a moment to take a breath, to catch up on life while the world around them stops moving for a moment.
They want to STOP time.
What We Crave
Think back to the last time you felt on the verge of overwhelm. Or maybe you were already caught up in it.
When we’re in the throes of too much to do, what do you say?
Give me some space.
I need my space.
When you feel like you can’t breathe, like the walls are caving in and you want to push them out.
I need to get some air.
What Space Gives You
Space to breathe. Space to step back and reflect. Space to regroup. Space to prioritize. Space to see the bigger picture.
In the space, we can see with more clarity what we can dump from the to-do list. We can breathe and feel the energy and life force return to us. We expand our capacity to handle more and serve at a higher level.
Space gives us the ability to stop time.
How to Get Space
The only way to get the space we crave is to claim it. And then protect it fiercely.
This requires that we draw firm boundaries.
It requires that we say no to people.
It requires that we let go of the need to do it all.
We don’t need to do it all. But when we claim our space, we expand our capacity for how much we can do.
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