Over the past few years, I’ve seen an increase in people promoting online “Get It Done” sessions or even full “Get It Done” days.
In these sessions, a group of people gathers on Zoom for virtual co-working. They state their intentions for the block of time set aside and then they get to work.
I’ve participated in many of these, especially during the pandemic lockdown.
They can be a constructive way to harness the power of group energy and accountability to focus on a particular project for a period of time.
Different organizers structure the sessions differently, and some structures are more helpful than others, but the concept, in general, is a good one. It offers the necessary structure to get your butt in the chair for a couple of hours when you’re struggling to find the motivation or starting energy to get started.
But sometimes, the structure to “get things done” is not what you need.
In fact, more often than not, I have found that when I’m dallying and puttering, avoiding starting on a task, what I really need is a “Let it Be” day.
A “Let it Be” day is the opposite of a “Get it Done” day. It’s a day when I don’t actively try to do anything.
That’s not to say I park my ass on the couch all day. Far from it. During a “Let it Be” day I might do errands, or indulge in things that don’t need to “get done.” I might do laundry and pay extra attention to folding my clothes. I might cook myself a nourishing meal. Perhaps I’ll get my hands dirty in a tactile project.
Maybe I’ll go sit by the water and let my thoughts roam, or do some journaling or coloring. Sometimes I’ll indulge in some “unnecessary creating” — creating things that are just for my enjoyment or skill development.
I might go to the local stores in my neighborhood to browse and talk with store owners.
The irony is I often accomplish a fair amount on these days. I might end the day with a fridge stocked with food for the week, laundry done and put away, some progress on new skills, and a feeling of being relaxed and at peace.
What I’m not doing is anything that “needs” to be done.
Some might call it avoidance, and perhaps it is. But it’s avoidance that serves.
By stepping away from what “needs” to “get done” and allow myself to have a day — sometimes more — of “being,” I generally return to the project with greater enthusiasm and a mind that is more clear and sharp.
I return to the project more eager to tackle it, and my work is generally more effective and has a greater impact.
Next time you’re struggling to find motivation to start a project, instead of forcing yourself into a “Get it Done” session, consider allowing yourself a “Let it Be” day.
It might just be the boost you need.
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