Do More by Focusing on the Present

Since I retired in June, I've struggled with feeling like I am doing enough.

I stay busy and accomplish a lot. For some reason, changing from full-time to retirement makes me think I should do more than I am.

I think I found the secret to feeling good about slowing down.

Stop worrying about the next thing. Be and stay in the moment.

Goals for the future are important, but the small daily steps get you to your goals. Small daily steps are what you do now. 

This has been a challenge for me.

I’m a natural planner. When I’m supposed to be focusing on my next newsletter post, my mind wanders to what to pack for an overseas vacation in May. Yes, two months away! I don’t even know the May's weather for our destination.

I needed to change my mindset to now.

Prioritize what I need to do - not what I want to do.

Break my tasks into achievable goals - smaller goals help me focus to get it done.

Work on tasks I have the tools to complete - not on projects that I don't have tools for.

For two weeks, I’ve concentrated on being present in the now, working with the tools I have, and not thinking about tasks that require tools I don't have.

I can tell the difference with a mindset of being present. It takes reminders and practice.

I’ve stopped thinking about the next thing.I’ve relaxed about the next thing.

I concentrate on prioritized tasks that I have the tools to complete.

I get more done because I’m focusing and pushing distractions aside.

Focusing on the present makes me feel I’m doing enough, regardless of how.