Resolute

I’ve been thinking a lot about energy management lately. As the new year approaches, I was reflecting on the fact that most people resolve to do more stuff in the new year – new diets, new jobs, new hobbies, new adventures. Those things are good! But far too little attention is paid, I think, to resolving to do less.

Our lives accumulate clutter – obligations, tasks, maintenance. We live little room for important things if we don’t clear that out regularly.

Even day to day, doing less can be a boon. I’m often victim to “momentum impulse,” the idea that once I’ve accomplished a few things, I should maintain that pace and keep riding the inspiration. But getting several things done and then saying, “That’s a solid day!” reserves some of that energy for tomorrow. Instead of waking up exhausted from yesterday’s frenzy, a steady pace is better – and leaves more room for joy.