Three ‘isms’ that drive our hurriedness

If you’re anything like me, you’ll often feel like there’s never enough time in the day to get done what you want to get done.

I reckon there are three ‘isms’ that lead us to feel more hurried than we’d like:

• Short-term-ism

If the story we tell ourselves is that how much we get done today is what matters most, we become restless and agitated when our to-do list isn’t complete.

If the story we tell ourselves is that we’re creating something durable over the long-term, we can do good work today, and then rest easy, knowing that it doesn’t all have to be done today. 

• Perfectionism

If the story we tell ourselves is that everything has to be perfect, we’ll never rest until it is. Or we’ll give up because it’s not.

If the story we tell ourselves is that perfection is in the process, not the outcome, then we can breathe out, and see mistakes and obstacles as an opportunity to learn, improve and grow.

• Heroism

If the story we tell ourselves is that productivity happens best when we push hard and push through, then we’ll drive ourselves to exhaustion, because that’s what gets the kudos.

If the story we tell ourselves is that productivity happens best when we mindfully manage our energy, intentions, attention and time, we’ll be able to let go, grab a coffee or go for a walk, and rest assured that the outcome will be better for it.

What stories are you telling yourself? What stories could you tell yourself?

What stories are you telling your people? What stories could you tell your people?

What might happen if you changed the stories you tell?

Want to keep these ideas top of mind? I’ve created a useful visual you can stick on your wall to remind you of how to stay ‘unhurriedly productive’. Click, download and share!

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