“Focus on what matters most.” I’ve been hearing this piece of advice from motivational speakers and productivity gurus for over forty years. But honestly, looking at how some of them live their lives, it’s pretty clear they don’t always follow their own counsel. I always thought I got it, but then I’d catch myself procrastinating, and it would hit me—I wasn’t really putting it into practice.
Procrastination really costs you—both in money and energy. How much you procrastinate can be a pretty good measure of whether you’re focusing on what truly matters.
This year, 2024, I’ve decided to treat my life like an action learning project. I’m committed to actually living out the advice I’ve been given. I want to understand and demonstrate why it’s crucial to focus on the most important things.
As I work through this process, I’ll share my experiences and lessons. It’s one thing to talk about focusing on what’s important; it’s another to really do it.
The Noise of Modern Life
Ever feel like your life’s a bit like trying to stuff a week’s worth of clothes into an overnight bag? No matter how much you push, shove, or sit on the darn thing, it just won’t zip. That’s modern life for you—overflowing with stuff to do, stuff to buy, and stuff to worry about.
But what if we could get that bag to close easily by picking only what we truly need?
Imagine your brain as a busy city street, bustling with the traffic of thoughts, to-dos, and endless pings from your phone alerting you to things you didn’t even know needed alerting.
It’s like hosting a rock concert in your head where every band from your life wants to play at the same time.
Chaotic, right? That’s the noise of modern life—constant and loud, with too many distractions trying to grab your attention.
Identify What Truly Matters
So, how do you turn down the volume? Start by figuring out your top hits—the things that really matter to you.
Is it family time? A hobby that makes you lose track of time? Maybe it’s finally writing that book you’ve been daydreaming about.
Imagine your life is a pie (yum), and you only have so many slices to give. Who and what gets a piece?
Deciding what matters most is about choosing where your slices go instead of trying to make more pie.
The Art of Saying “No”
Once you know what your pie looks like, it’s time to become a “no” ninja. Saying “no” is like setting up an invisible fence around your pie.
It keeps the hungry hordes (a.k.a. distractions and time-suckers) from gobbling it up. Not every meeting, request, or opportunity deserves a slice of your day.
Think of “no” as your pie protector, keeping it safe for the things that truly satisfy your hunger for a meaningful life.
Simplifying Daily Routines
Now, let’s talk daily routines. If your day feels like you’re running a marathon with a backpack full of bricks, it’s time to lighten the load.
Start by dumping out the backpack and only putting back what you need for the race. This means cutting down on the to-do list Olympics and focusing on tasks that align with your top-priority pie.
Maybe it’s less screen time and more scream time on a rollercoaster with your kids.
Or replacing the ritual of scrolling through everyone’s “perfect” life on social media with something that actually makes you feel good—like mastering the art of making the perfect pancake on Sunday mornings.
Investing in Relationships that Matter
Now that we’ve tackled the tangible clutter, let’s talk people. Not all relationships are created equal. Some are like nourishing meals that leave you feeling full and happy, while others are more like junk food—tempting at the moment but ultimately unsatisfying.
It’s time to be choosy about whom you invite to your metaphorical dinner party.
Think of it this way: if your time and energy were a VIP event, who would you put on the guest list? Prioritize the folks who would help you hunt for dinosaurs in the backyard without a second thought or those who can make you laugh so hard that your stomach hurts.
These are your peeps, your ride-or-dies. Investing in these relationships means more quality time, deeper connections, and fewer instances of feeling spread thinner than the last scrape of peanut butter in the jar.
Mindful Consumption
In a world where the mantra often seems to be “more is more,” taking a step back to consider what we consume—be it physical goods, digital content, or even food—can be revolutionary.
Mindful consumption is about asking, “Do I really need this?” before adding another knick-knack to your collection or binge-watching a new show just because everyone else is.
Imagine if every time you went to buy something, a tiny comedian popped up on your shoulder and said, “Are you sure you need that, or are you just avoiding cleaning your closet?” It’s about choosing to fill your life with things that add value rather than just filling space.
Whether it’s choosing experiences over things, books that feed your soul over mindless scrolling, or food that nourishes over just numbing boredom, each choice is a step towards simplicity.
Embracing Imperfection
The quest for simplicity isn’t about creating a life that’s meticulously curated or Instagram-worthy at every moment. It’s about embracing the beauty of imperfection and the freedom that comes with letting go of unrealistic standards.
It means celebrating the burnt pancakes along with the perfect ones and finding joy in the messy, unplanned moments of life.
Embracing imperfection is like wearing mismatched socks on purpose. It’s a small rebellion against the pressure to always have it all together. It’s understanding that sometimes the lawn goes un-mowed for a weekend because you chose a family adventure instead. And that’s more than okay—it’s wonderful.
Conclusion
Focusing on what matters most isn’t about austerity or denying yourself the pleasures of life. It’s about making conscious choices that align with your values and what brings you true happiness.
It’s clearing the clutter, both physical and mental, to make room for growth, love, and laughter.
So, as you venture forth, remember: life is too short to spend it on autopilot. Choose wisely, laugh often, and maybe—just maybe—try wearing those mismatched socks.
After all, the journey towards simplicity is not just about where you’re going, but the joy you find along the way.
