“We must use time as a tool, not as a couch.” John F. Kennedy
Our value of ourselves is intimately connected with the value we place on the time allotted to us. When we lose time, we are also losing a bit of ourselves; losing the opportunity to live out our dream lives, losing the chance to experience magic so abundantly strewn in countless moments, losing the possibility of actualizing our potential, and be who we are truly meant to be.
So how do we ensure we are not losing ourselves? Look for these signs:
- Feeling guilty or regretful – While we all make mistakes, wallowing in regret or guilt is a pure waste of time. Many people feel guilt is a justifiable expression of accepting a mistake. While momentary guilt might help us to evaluate our actions, apologize for them and learn from them; indulging in long bouts of self-pity and guilt does not serve anyone. In fact, guilt can literally exhaust and constrain you by keeping you focused on the past. So whenever you catch yourself feeling regretful or guilty, shrug off the feeling and do something constructive and creative.
- Getting bored – Getting bored is a sign that whatever situation or mental state you are in right now is getting repetitive or needs to change; i.e. you need to move your energy. So instead of rushing to fill your time with a mindless activity, seize the moment to do something creative. Try out a new hobby or attempt a completely new way of doing a particular activity. Even if you are in the middle of a task, take a ten-minute break to take a quick jog, read an inspiring article or even drink water. The change in your energy state will help you come back to your task more refreshed and purposeful.
- Giving mediocre output – Mediocrity is often a symptom that we are not doing our best. A very big reason is often because we are not able to find an outlet to express our true potential. In fact, many people work all their lives to achieve their dreams and then discover that it didn’t bring them the joy they were expecting, because they were living the perfect life as defined by society or peers or their family. In the rush to meet those expectations, they forgot their own unique melody or life purpose. Letting go of your life’s purpose is not only a disservice to yourself, but also to the world because you are denying the world the benefits of your unique contribution or talents. Hence review your dreams and goals at regular intervals to ascertain if they are what bring you truly alive and passionate. An easy question to assess your dream is, what work would you do if money were not an issue? Your answer will provide you with real insight about your life’s purpose.
- Feeling clueless or overwhelmed – A state of overwhelm is a sign that you have lost touch with your inner self. Take some time off (even five minutes daily will do) to focus on your breath and go within. Spending some quiet time will calm your mind and help you to make sense of what you want to achieve and do away with mindless activity.
Live consciously and mindfully and regain control of your time and life