Being On The Same Page

Being On The Same Page

Ooooops, no sirrrrs, I'm NOT inciting domestic violence for our thread today, NOT AT ALL.  Instead, allow me to harp on this very old cliche: BEING ON THE SAME PAGE as this has been one of the most recurring ROOT CAUSE of arguments, conflicts, quarrels, squabbles, tiffs, and even crisis in life, WHETHER it's in our personal life, at work OR even in our commercial forays.  NOT so surprisingly, without complicating this thread, we DON'T even need to pick each other's brain to figure out the antidote to NOT being ON THE SAME PAGE📗📙📘

Much as we want to look the other way around WHEN we're NOT ON THE SAME PAGE with another party [he/she could be your bff/bestie, your boss, your partner/spouse, your business associate, your valued client, name it] BUT all these share that 'common denominator' of NOT being ON THE SAME PAGE.  And without being embroiled in semantics, let's 'drill and dice' things here.  Regardless of the perspective, more often, it boils down to that existing relationship between two parties.  And obviously, we yearn for that ideal relationship that is balanced and equitably fair WHERE no one seems to be 'short-changed'!@#$%?

To grab and grip the bull by its horn, let's incisively look into one-sided relationships as typically, it is characterized by one person or party investing more ENERGY + EFFORT into making the relationship work.  In that 'imbalanced' dynamic, one person puts in more TIME + EFFORT OR he ends up with less control.  You might ask, WHAT'S THE FUSS?  The problem with that one-sided relationship is that it can be draining and challenging to sustain over the long haul, contrasting it to healthy relationships characterized by mutuality in honesty, trust and commitment, all rolled into one✅✅✅

BUT let's qualify, though, that NOT all one-sided relationships mean one person is being taken advantage of BUT this situation often indicates a problem in communication OR compatibility between two people OR parties.  There's that probability that one partner may NOT feel as strongly about the relationship as the other OR maybe one party ISN'T sure exactly HOW they feel about it yet.  On the other hand, in a healthy and balanced relationship, one would know that he/she can depend on the other party/person WHERE both are ON THE SAME PAGE💧💧💧

Our takeaway:  Being ON THE SAME PAGE is NOT all about relationships, being imbalanced OR NOT.  What becomes an eye-opener here are the ramifications because one-sided relationships can come in various forms and shapes.  It might involve your partner/spouse OR even your boss OR business associate.  OR, it can also involve other interpersonal relationships including parents, friends, work colleagues.  Dude, BEING ON THE SAME PAGE is way above and beyond relationships, in fact💥💥💥

No Time? Make Time!

No Time?  Make Time!

If there's anything we share universally, it is the obvious fact that almost all of us adults LACK TIME.  BUT really?  Between the craziness of holidays, work, school, kids, grocery shopping, marriage and any semblance of social life, HOW can we [as ordinary persons]  be expected to pursue both our small and big dreams that got lost along the way of everyday life?  And HOW are supposed people to enjoy moments of silence with a quiet cup of coffee before the day begins?  YES, the answer to all these questions is right in our pocket, telling us:  MAKE TIME.  YES YES YES, that recommendation sounds easy to say BUT hard to do, sort of.  BUT the nagging question is WHY MAKE TIME?  From a scientific perspective, experts claim that it is scientifically proven to improve one's health.  I myself, I never had an extra hour for an early morning hour-long daily walk NOT until I decided to MAKE TIME.  YES,  No Time?  Make Time!!!

So, HOW can we achieve a 'ME TIME'?  While I did stumble across a lot of 'expert advice', mine are the obvious and practical measures.  

WORK TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO WORK - To be blunt and frank about it, it is equally important to recognize the 'END GAME'.  And that 'END GAME' is you need to live a BETTER, HAPPIER life.  BTW, sometimes a petty reminder like this is a 'wake-up' call for you to have that 'ME TIME' 

SET REAL GOALS [regardless if you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s] - To set goals is NOT pegged to your age [How pitiful when I hear 'OH I'M OLD ALREADY, I DON'T NEED TO SET GOALS !@#$%?].  It could be as mundane as reading books, committing to a modest BUT regular exercise regimen [EVEN IF it's just like mine, hour-long daily morning walks every calendar day [regardless if it's a business day, a weekend OR even a local holiday [EXCEPTION is if I need to drive out-of-town]].  

HEALTH COMES FIRST - Sometimes, it seems like putting your HEALTH in the backburner is the only option BUT you need to be diligent about preventive care [and that includes proactive medical checkups [NOT running to the doctor if symptoms begin to surface].

POST IT [NOT in social media] - Get those Post-it notes around your home to constantly remind yourself you got to have a 'ME TIME' and that you will NOT accept an answer/reaction that sounds like this I'M SORRY I DON'T HAVE TIME  

Looking back, it's true we have had clarity in our dreams and even our long-term plans were 'ROADMAPPED' for us to achieve BUT sometimes, thing go awry.  WHAT could go wrong?  Thing is, life happens and before we know it, TIME has slipped away, just like quicksilver running through our fingers.  True, we CAN'T find TIME BUT we can MAKE TIME.  HOW?  Whatever fraction of time you have, protect it so that it does NOT disappear OR dissipate, evaporating in thin air.  Worst than worse, when TIME has slipped through, we CAN'T figure it out as to WHERE did that TIME go OR HOW/WHERE was it spent?  Stating the obvious, TIME is a precious and limited commodity and YET we often feel pressured to give it away WHEN we have the ability to say NO or turn down a request.  True, sometimes you DON'T have a choice [as when your boss tosses you a task that is tagged as 'high priority'

Our takeaway:  DON'T DON'T ever let your obligations dictate HOW you spend the hours of your day.  You are in control of your own time.  Push back WHEN it's appropriate OR tactfully disengage from those people OR situations that tend to submerge your schedule and/or priorities.  I remember attending F2F the Stephen Covey course about the '7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE' wherein at the end of the course, the final pitch was:  IF WE FAIL TO SCHEDULE TIME FOR WHAT'S TRULY IMPORTANT, WE END UP BEING OVERWHELMED BY A SEEMINGLY LIMITLESS NUMBER OF POSSIBILITIES.  NO TIME?  MAKE TIME!!!

That FLOW Of HAPPINESS

That FLOW Of HAPPINESS 

Today, it's three quarters into 2024 so by this time, it might make sense to do a 'CHECKPOINT' for your progress [OR is it NON-PROGRESS?] with regard your long list of New Year's Resolutions.  BUT allow me to bet.  HOW many of you included this curt entry in your New Year's Resolution:  "TO FEEL MORE FLOW"?  I really doubt it.  For alignment, let us reference the definition of FLOW which was dubbed by psychologists as that SECRET TO HAPPINESS.  In technical terms, FLOW is defined as that 'optimal experience' that each of us can incorporate into our everyday lives.   That FLOW Of HAPPINESS📗📙📘

Stumbling across a paper by a panel of psychologists, the first order of the day in that paper was this basic question:  WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE IN FLOW?  Often, people would claim that it is like 'BEING IN THE ZONE' BUT psychologists added something more.  Apparently, WHEN people feel FLOW, they are in a state of INTENSE CONCENTRATION.  Their thoughts are focused on an experience rather than on themselves.  They would then lose a SENSE OF TIME and feel as if there is a merging of their actions and their awareness.  THAT they have control over the situation.  THAT the experience is NOT physically OR mentally taxing either💦💦💦

So, WHAT CAUSES FLOW?  The technical explanation of psychologists is that FLOW occurs WHEN a task's challenge is balanced with one's skill.  In fact, both the task challenge and skill level have to be high.  And we are reminded that we will NOT feel FLOW WHEN we are doing the dishes.  Most people are highly skilled dishwashers and washing dishes is NOT a very challenging task!@#$?  So, the next question is:  WHEN DO WE EXPERIENCE FLOW?  Studies showed that we will experience FLOW in more everyday experiences, even like competitive swimmers, chess players, dancers and mountain climbers.  Others experience FLOW via yoga, by biking, cooking✅✅✅

And with the plethora of technologies we now have, FLOW happens when people use interactive media, like playing video games.  Psychologists claim that games are obvious FLOW activities and play is the FLOW experience par excellence.  So, the next bigger question is:  WHY IS IT GOOD TO FEEL FLOW?  As FLOW equates to that 'SECRET OF HAPPINESS', experts tell us that experience can help people pursue their long-term goals.  That is because research shows that taking a break to do something fun can help enhance one's self-control, goal pursuit and even well-being.  So this explains WHEN we see video game players can hardly hear you, it's because they are very into the FLOW of the interactive media😃😃😃

Our takeaway:  The bottom line is to ask this question:  ARE YOU HAPPY?  And if your initial REALITY CHECK is negative, it means you need to spend extra efforts to improve your resilience in the face of adversity.  Part of this is because FLOW can help refocus thoughts away from something stressful to something enjoyable.  In fact, studies have shown that experiencing FLOW can help guard even against depression and burnout.  Neuro experts even claim that FLOW is associated with the activity in our brain structures.  This explains why when people are so focused on their tasks, it keeps people distracted from worry.  Setting aside medical science, it has become obvious that identifying and building your personal happiness-boosting inner strengths will make us stronger, feel more energetic and even perform at an optimal level beyond normal.  Let's keep this FLOW OF HAPPINESS unabated.  We need this, badly❗❗❗

Just Stop YOLO-ing, Will You?

Just Stop YOLO-ing, Will You?

This ISN'T about YOLO-ing our way into bankruptcy OR questionable life choices.  This is about being present and intentional with one's time.  As the famous legend John Lennon was well quoted, 'LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHILE YOU'RE BUSY MAKING OTHER PLANS'.  BUT hey, have we ever thought that this simple quote could totally change the way we view life. Just Stop YOLO-ing, will you?  This may sound quite morbid to say that someday we're going to stop existing BUT this world is going to keep on spinning without you, without us.  NOW, before we spiral into an existential crisis, this apparently very dark realization may in fact be the key to really unlocking another level of living📗📙📘

Let's picture out this NOT so improbable scenario WHERE we're cruising through life, following the 'supposed to be' flight plan.  That typical stereo-typed plan WHERE we graduate, get a stable job, meet a girl, get married, buy OR build your home, buy your first car [even it's a second-hand car for the first time], have kids, raise them, then retire with a gold watch.  Sounds familiar???

NOW, for the kicker.  WHETHER or NOT you're checking off those society-sanctioned boxes, life is still going on around you, and you're probably missing the good stuff, seriously.  NOW, we're NOT implying that you should ditch all responsibility and become a nomadic yak herder up there in the Tibetan mountains [UNLESS that's your style, in which case, go on].  BUT WHAT if you lived life every single day that counted?  And every single moment was a chance to make sometime matter, to connect with others, OR to just simply appreciate the goofiness that life is💧💧💧

Let me share this personal experience.  Years ago WHEN admittedly, I was your quintessential overachiever, with an extremely packed schedule that was set out enough stress to power a small city like Singapore, I was literally running from one F2F meeting to anoter, [way before that Covid-19 pandemic, virtual calls even via Cisco WeBex & Zoom was a rarity].  One morning, I crossed a small park and saw an old man feeding pigeons😀😀😀

BUT instead of getting annoyed, that made me pause WHEN the old man asked me, "ISN'T IT A BEAUTIFUL DAY TO BE ALIVE?"  And the cooing of pigeons with rustling leaves did stoke that quite epiphany, no pigeons harmed, metaphorically.  I then realized I was running to reach my targets and had completely forgotten to LIVE IN THE MOMENT.  I had forgotten to be able to enjoy the small pleasures of life, like the warmth of sunlight on my face.  Admittedly, that day CHANGED me and I realized I just needed to STOP YOLO-ing❗❗❗

What You Settle For Is What You Get

What You Settle For Is What You Get

What You Settle For Is What You Get.  I reckon this is one of the most tweaked quotes ever.  Another version with same context says:  YOU ARE WHAT YOU SETTLE FOR.  Except for 'AOG's [Acts of God] like natural calamities and the force of nature, this one-liner is very very true and super super factual.  And there's even no need to buttress this.  To quote my departed classmate WHO told me this WHEN we were still in high school:  AIM FOR THE SKY, NOT JUST THE TREE-TOP.  You might challenge me as to WHY should this be our talking point today WHEN this is stating the obvious.  Simple dude.  This is as relevant today as it was last century, last decade, last year and yesterday📘📙📗

Before I get whacked here, DON'T ask me if we're wasting our time for this thread?  NO sirrrs trust me we WON'T waste even a second of our precious time because it behooves to dissect as we have been witnessing countless [horror] stories of frustrations and failures.  Do we just turn a blind eye?  OR should we look the other way around?  Our sole intention here is modest enough to be an effective platform💦💦💦

And that intention is to right the wrong, clear up the murkier waters, to increase one's awareness and for those now on that road to redemption, to reinforce so that you DON'T loose that momentum.  True, everyone has to settle for something at some point.  Because you just CAN'T have everything and you CAN'T go on without compromising for your entire life.  Having said this, we SHOULDN'T just settle for less than WHAT makes us contented, happy and satisfied.  No one wants to end in limbo OR purgatory, right???

WHERE things get mixed up is WHEN instead of choosing WHAT we think is [theoretically] the best one out there, you need to know WHAT you really need so that your happiness, contentment and satisfaction follows suit.  Missing out on that one causes your own narrative to turn down south instead of that favorable trajectory that augurs well for you.  True, sometimes we get obsessed with the idea that people can live the lives they want instead of the lives they have.  Can we pause for a moment and examine the disconnect between WHERE people say they want to be and WHERE they are [right now]???

Our takeaway:  To a certain extent, it's true that we almost always want better than WHAT we have now.  That explains WHY we set future-oriented goals.  We strive for those things that are perceived to be missing in our lives.  We work toward achieving those things that we want, WHETHER it be for our better health and fitness, a car, a house OR an enduring and great relationship.  With that said, one too many of us end up settling for less than WHAT we wanted.  WHY?  It's because it is way too easy to get caught up in our struggles.  Even if we're expected to believe that 'MAKING A LIVING' takes precedence over life, I personally DON'T buy that baloney because it's the end that matters.  WHAT YOU SETTLE FOR IS WHAT YOU GET❗❗❗

Let's STOP Building Walls. We Need BRIDGES!

Let's STOP Building Walls.  We Need BRIDGES!

Building trust is of absolute importance in all relationships.  More than that, it is a pillar of of a persons SUCCESS, whether it be in his personal family life, business life OR work life.  The catch here is that TRUST and CONFIDENCE are NOT traits that you have BUT traits that are built, maintained, nurtured, and even protected.  And this is something many leaders have recognized.  NOT to turn this as a piece about religion BUT to quote Pope Francis, Build BRIDES and TEAR DOWN WALLS📗📙📘

And WHILE he expressed it in a religious context, to put it into practice, he suggested writing the names of 20 people you interact with frequently.  Then, with a simple chart, write down how many times you have had positive interactions with.  Then keep that table updated and it will indicate precisely WHEN you are building bridges to TRUST and in case you have forgotten someone.  Then, do the same for people WHO do NOT work in your company BUT who you should keep in touch with💧💧💧

The thing is, we DON'T and CAN'T live alone, even for those WHO want to be forlorn and desolate by themselves.  On a first person account, I know people WHO had everything in life, coming from affluent families, well-bred [and consistently graduated with honors since our school days until university days in our country's #1 top school and he can claim UNPARALLELED SUCCESS in every field and foray he went into.  From being a licensed doctor, a successful painter recognized internationally, an arts advocate WHO championed the 'lost arts' of his country and his furniture-export company was launched NOT just for profit but to wet his appetite for the arts.  Thing is, he wanted to live alone.  Sadly, he succumbed to the Big C after he [ironically] refused pharmacology, for which he was a deemed expert [alongside his family of doctors who own and run their own hospital and medical school]💥💥💥

Fact is, we just CAN'T be alone.  We always need others and we must continually demonstrate that we cooperate honestly with colleagues, even those WHO are NOT always pleasant to interact with.  Please allow me to confess that one criterion I use to assess WHETHER my day was positive OR not is based on this: Have I helped to keep a relationship of TRUST alive.  Have I been generous with my time to help others [BTW, generosity is NOT always financials].  Have I invested my 'TRUST CAPITAL', eroded it, kept it at the same level???

Our takeaway:  Everyday let's ask ourselves, DID I ADD AT LEAST ONE BRICK TO THE BRIDGE?  We have to realize that bridged [IN LIFE] are NOT built overnight.  Instead, they are built over time and gradually BUT they can last forever and they open new roads and possibilities in life.  Let us remember that most opportunities in life are tossed upon us based on the knowledge and confidence that we have built, NOT on how elegantly we have written our own curriculum vitae a.k.a. resume.  Last thing, our reputation will always precede us.  In fact, our reputation is the only thing we have in life. Yes dude, LET'S STOP BUILDING WALLS.  WE NEED BRIDGES 😀😀😀

Focus On What's Important

Focus On What's Important

Consistently, almost all researches have shown that typically, many of us tend to prioritize tasks that have the shortest deadlines even if those tasks are NOT the most important OR valuable.  What this tells us is that we got to Focus On What's Important.  BUT I get you, this is easier said than done.  BTW, have you heard this one-liner:  THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.  Sounds redundant BUT makes sense, right???

YES, this poster looks annoying and sheer crap BUT relook incisively, this is NO nonsense if we can drill down into it.  This redundant question is impliedly asking us 'WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO YOU?"  Whether it's in your life as a whole OR during an interaction OR right this very moment as we speak.   Yes dude, keep your answer to yourself because the truth is, the MOST IMPORTANT THINGS often get pushed to the sidelines😖😖😖

Let's face it, life itself is full of distracting clamor, from text/SMS messages to online PM's in that long list of chat apps, and even emails which would alert you to even window displays in the mall.  Other people tug at you with their PRIORITIES [which may NOT be your own].  And it can feel kind of scary to admit WHAT really matters to you, tell others, and go after it for real.  BUT WHAT do we hear in the background?  WHAT IF YOU FAIL???

So, WHAT'S the practice espoused by experts?  The gurus tell us to KNOW OUR PURPOSE IN LIFE.  And as an exercise, write it down either in one word, phrase OR sentence.  Be concise and honest enough with your answer.  And within yourself, say it LOUD and see HOW it feels.  Take that extra step to find the words which you can connect with.  And keep your PURPOSE as close to your heart as possible [because for all we know, you might get scared if you speak it out.  Close to the heels, CLARIFY YOUR PRIORITIES.  Identify the key aims of your life these days in a word OR phrase, e.g. HEALTH, CAREER, etc.  Maybe break up one aim into two OR three, e.g. finances could be 'breaking even' OR saving for retirement etc✅✅✅

Now, let's follow WHAT the gurus do instruct us.  Rank those aims in order of importance with NO ties allowed.  If you could attain only one AIM, WHAT would it be?  That becomes your highest priority.  Then, take that one off the list, look at the aims that are left and ask yourself:  IF I COULD ATTAIN ONLY ONE OF THE REMAINING AIMS, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?  Then, repeat the process.  And do remember your PURPOSE IN LIFE.  Thing is, FOCUS ON WHAT'S IMPORTANT❗❗❗

Slow Down To Improve Productivity?

Slow Down To Improve Productivity?

Slow Down To Improve Productivity?  This sounds crazy, right?  Because, all along, we were schooled and trained to be fast and quick OR better be faster and quicker, for the same reasons that we want to be more productive.  BUT studies by experts do NOT support this practice.  Oh, ever since the Covid-19 Pandemic did hit us hard, we have been faced with unexpected and sometimes unyielding changes.  Our lives seem to have been uprooted, shaken to the hilt, and worst, it's left in disarray, if only to understate it📗📙📘

In short, we felt the pangs of panic and concern for our family members and had sleepless nights as we worried for our financial futures.  In the end, we seem to be in a constant state of flux as we pivot to deal with the most pressing crisis before us.  So, CHANGE is good.  However, some familiarity and predictiveness are necessary for a feeling of equilibrium to wash over us.  And this is our dilemma💦💦💦

Doing a lookup at recent researches, WHEN you slow down your mind, movements and processes, you will reduce your STRESS + BURNOUT and in the end, even enhance productivity.  In addition, by SLOWING DOWN, you will have more clarity about WHAT really matters.  So, instead of looking at WHAT is obvious and right in front of you, see WHAT is in the gaps and niches WHERE most people fail to look at.  That can help you get ahead of a problem and better still, find new solutions [and NOT recycled ones]💥💥💥

Taking a leaf from the gurus across vertical industries, consider to stretch beyond your COMFORT ZONE and even, dare yourself to GET LOST among the liminal edge, WHERE real growth can be explored and even learning opportunities can be unearthed.  WHERE to start?  Consider starting with TRUST itself.  Truth is, mistrust destroys curiosity, so consider TRUST and be in full control to know your 'ENOUGH' level.  You DO NOT always have to do more.   You can quite possibly succeed and be content as you are.  And from a human perspective, leverage on your HUMANITY to help others and pay it forward💧💧💧

Our takeaway:  FOCUS on WHAT you can control and LET GO of WHAT you cannot control at all.  The only consistent and expected thing is that CHANGE WILL HAPPEN [WHETHER you want it OR not, WHETHER you are ready for it OR not, that CHANGE is going to happen.  And do consider it as an opportunity for growth.  You DON'T want to get stalled and stagnate, right?  Do SLOW DOWN TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY😃😃😃

Can Your LIGHT SHINE?

Can Your LIGHT SHINE?

Who says only the children and scions of the rich and famous [and the descendants from the monarchy and royalty] are the ones who Can SHINE their LIGHT.  BUT how about the rest of us, the ordinary Tom, Dick and Harrys?  BUT let's NOT scream foul on this because everyone of us has a LIGHT that shines bright enough from within.  However, WHEN we look outwards through our five senses to search for peace, fulfillment, and happiness, we often forget about the LIGHT that has been inside us all along📗📙📘

There have been many studies by psychologists as regards that LIGHT which shines from within and they are one to tell us that for your LIGHT to SHINE BRIGHT, you must learn to see it with full clarity first.  Experts tell us that WHEN we were born, your INNER LIGHT is capable of witnessing the absolute reality without any layers of perceptions added in front of it.  There are NO pre-existing rigid beliefs to influence your perspective💧💧💧

To piggy-back on the jargon of psychologists, starting from the very first thing you can remember as a child to the moment you are reading your very first sentence, your mind is a sum of everything you have experienced, seen, felt, heard, smelled, touched OR been told by your parents and teachers.  Without even realizing, you start creating your ''individual identity' and start dimming the inner light by putting different layers on top it from a young age💥💥💥

WHAT then is the BIG ASK from us on this?  IF we can learn to consciously see these different layers that you have created yourself based on your subjective experiences, you can then start removing them one by one.  You will then realize that NOT everyone has gone through the same things as you have.  WHY?  Because every human experience is unique by itself.  NOTHING gets replicated there.  And beyond the subjective layers, we all share the same light within regardless of our age, race, gender, financial, OR even cultural backgrounds.  And the experts are telling us that once you see this subtle truth, you simply CAN'T unsee it.  And your inner light will shine with so much clarity that you will automatically inspire others.  Helping others and working for something bigger than yourself becomes much easier and natural once you see the light within✅✅✅

Our takeaway:  Long ago when there were iPhones and Android smartphones, even when FILTERING was totally unknown to us, we ourselves were the prime architects of FILTERING to such extent that many of us failed to realize, from the very beginning, that we were capable to SHINE.  All along, we were schooled [by the 'old school'] that those WHO are NOT part of the elite social class DON'T even have the right and entitlement to talk about the ability to SHINE.  For those socially deprived, we even ended up inferior, insecure and unsure of ourselves.  BUT hey dude, fast forward to today, those are NOT the RULES of the games.  We may find our capabilities to be a combination of being untapped and/or raw BUT the fact is, we got it buried under the bushel of oblivion.  We got to shovel it out and unearth it so that we can find the answer with finality that indeed, we have the LIGHT TO SHINE.  Let's tap our untapped capability dude😍😍😍

Time Is All That Matters

Time Is All That Matters

WHAT does it take to be more productive?  Try asking every Tom, Dick and Harry, I'll best you will receive an equivalent number of disparate answers. Time Is All That Matters.  More hours in the day.  It's one thing everyone wants and yet it's impossible to attain.  BUT what if you could free up significant time, maybe as much as 20% of your workday, so you can focus on the responsibilities that really matter.  Many researches showed that roughly 40% of our time is spent on discretionary activities that offer little personal satisfaction📗📙📘

YET, WHY do we still keep on doing those discretionary stuff?  Psychologists opine that ridding oneself of such activities is easier said than done.  Human nature explains WHY we instinctively cling to things and tasks that make us feel busy and thus, important.  Heard of those busybodies, the nosey folks WHO seem to be 'all over the place' BUT at the end of the day, it's NOT them who would product the expected results.  It's true delegating tasks, WHETHER at work or at home, is a must-do BUT it's NOT fair to do more for less.  Instead, we are encouraged to be more productive by thinking consciously about HOW they spend their time, deciding WHICH tasks matter most to them📌📌📌

I CAN'T have a better concrete example done sharing my post-mortems of my past forays.  And with all humility, I do realize now that I was thankful that I fully and wholly embraced that TIME IS ALL THAT MATTERS.  And that was tricky.  Because you can't be prematurely early to kickstart an initiative.  On the other hand, if you are a step late in your moves, you could have missed out BIG TIME the locomotive train that left just before you came💦💦💦

Regrettably, I bear witness to a hell lot of misses in life, NOT because the person was incapable, NOT because he was ill-advised to take that path, NOT because there was a better option than that itself BUT because he was either a split-second prematurely early or just happened to be late by a hairline.  Much as we agree that there is NO such thing as perfection, that was all that matters and frankly, this is quite a 'tall order' unless you will embrace that TIME IS ALL THAT MATTERS💧💧💧

Our takeaway:  We CAN'T create an extra TIME, NOT even an extra minute BUT WHAT we can ably do is to utilize to the hilt the time we got in our hands.  Even making phone calls may easily be pushed after lunch BUT as petty as this matter is, the thing is you might thing you're important to some people BUT hey, let's admit it, you're NOT as important as lunch itself. Some may invoke that the alignment of stars do matter.  I'd take that as outliers because TIME IS ALL THAT MATTERS💥💥💥