Ain’t nobody got time for that!

I’ve always had a complicated relationship with super-productive people. You know the wake up at 5am to take a run and still remain uber-cheerful type! On one hand, I admire what they can accomplish in a 24-hour period- and how well they do it. On the other hand, my own insecurities flare up around them because I’m often late and tend to move at a slower pace. Well, I’m learning that the more one has to do, the more one can and will do.

This takes me back to my college Chemistry course. (Bear with me here)! Besides the embarrassing memories of doing titrations and the fear of burning down the lab, I remember learning a little about thermodynamics. I explicitly recall the moment when my professor said that “all systems have a finite amount of FREE ENERGY to do work.” I certainly don’t understand all of the intricacies of this complex scientific law. However, the takeaway phrase from that lesson has become a mantra that I replay in my mind, especially during stressful times. Essentially, keep the main thing, the main thing in order to do what you have to do.

I realize that while I may never be a 5am runner, I can let go of thoughts and behaviors that suck my limited time and energy in order to focus on the things I need and want to do. Procrastination, perfectionism, and passivity are luxuries I simply cannot afford. I just don’t have the time or energy for that. Instead, I chose to focus on presence, patience, and progress each day. This allows me to check off the must-dos on my daily list and have the freedom and energy to get to the rest later.

So, Suitie what are the things that zap your free energy? How will you let them go in order to be your most powerful and productive self?