Do One Thing at a Time

This blog is about my thoughts on Chapter 1 of 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Meyer.

This chapter explained that when we are focused on one thing while doing another, we aren't able to put as much thought into the task at hand (or enjoy it nearly as much), and the quality of our work is also decreased. Meyer suggests that we "practice living one day at a time; give [ourselves]--[our] thoughts, [our] conversation, [our] energies, every part of [us]--to the day at hand." By doing this, we will enjoy the things we do much more because we aren't worrying about what we have to do later today, tomorrow, or next week.

This is something I really need to work on. I have a "to do" list that's a mile long. And although that isn't bad, I'm setting unreasonable goals for myself, trying to multitask, then I don't enjoy any of what I'm doing. I find myself trying to finish a project while talking to someone on the internet, while trying to cram in some time with family, while texting, while standing on my head and doing crunches. Okay, so that's a little exaggerated, but that's what it seems like sometimes.

I'm going to make my "to do" lists much more reasonable, and focus on the things that are most important. This will be especially important once I get to college. Maybe I'll have to give up being in plays (something I really enjoy) so that I can have more time to study and relax (something I really need).

Also, my "need" to constantly communicate with the people I know seems to be holding me back. I need to just turn off the computer, put my phone on the shelf, and spend my afternoons buckling down and getting what I need to get done completed. I will likely find myself much less stressed if I put this to practice.