What we can't do
Have you ever found that you can't do something simple? Or, more accurately, that you can't bring yourself to do it consistently? As I look back over my life, I can see simple things that, at one time or another, I couldn't do.
There were times I worked multiple jobs and couldn't keep up with my laundry. I would let it pile up, too busy to worry about it. Then once I ran out of essentials (read underwear), I would begrudgingly work through the pile, spending an entire Saturday on it (my only day off at the time).
The same was true for vacuuming. I know this sounds weird, but there were years of my adult life when I didn't touch our vacuum because I was too busy, too tired, or both. I couldn't do it, and because I couldn't do it, other people, like my wife, had to take care of it.
Even today, I have a mental block toward some things. I find it easy to create marketing content for my company's social media accounts. But if I'm the one that needs to schedule it to post on social, it won't get done. I can't tell you why; it's a simple task that probably takes 15 minutes, but I won't do it.
There are just some things we can't do. Either we aren't wired for them, or we don't have time for them, or we are just too exhausted. It's true for all of us. And this is where the magic is.
Recognizing that sometimes there are just things we can't do gives us an opportunity for grace. We can give ourselves grace for falling short on a simple task like keeping up with laundry. But, more importantly, we can have grace for others, like my kid, that can't keep clothes off the floor.
What is simple and easy for one person is not always simple and easy for another. And, what you can't do today, might be something you can do tomorrow. Today, I keep up with my laundry like a champ; I may even wash my clothes a little too often. I also find vacuuming relaxing and a great opportunity to listen to an audiobook or podcast.
There are still lots of things I can't do, and if you think about it, there are lots of things you can't do too. We are limited, and that's ok. That's why we have grace.
Great reading from this week
10 Creative ChatGPT Usages to Supercharge Your Daily Productivity
My favorite on this list is book summaries. They are surprisingly good!Leadership fatigue is real. Here’s how to build up your resilience
2 Daily Habits That Will Make You Super Focused and Productive All Day
I love the second habit they mention, working in focused intervals. I’m a big fan of the Pomodoro Technique for this.7 Stoicism Quotes All Change Leaders Should Live By
I’ve been learning more and more about Stoicism and have found the thinking very valuable. This is a great entry point to thinking about these things.
Great podcasts from this week
Persuasion: Part 2 - Hidden Brain
This is a great series for you if you want to see how you are manipulated by marketing and others.226. The Perception Paradox - The Long and the Short of it
This was a great conversation about how two people can experience the same thing and have entirely different perceptions of that reality. For example, someone from Alaska may experience a 50-degree day and consider it very warm, while someone from Southern California will consider it cold.
Book Recommendation
I'm Glad My Mom Died
I listened to this one; the author read it. The storytelling is fantastic, but the story is complex. It’s a memoir written by a former child actor whose mother pushed her into acting. Her honesty is brave and brutal.
My Podcasts to check out
Tech Talk Y'all - My tech/comedy news podcast.
Real Pink - I host the national podcast for Susan G. Komen. If you want some inspiration or information about breast cancer, give it a listen.
While Daring Greatly - My podcast.
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An absolutely fabulous reminder this morning. Great stuff!!!