Upon arriving to work, I think the first thing done should be something pleasurable – satisfying and possibly meaningful.
Now, I proceed meaningful with “possibly” because it’s clearly the least important of the three.
The first two will emphatically affect our mood or feelings and conjure up positive juices that can lubricate the dry moments of our day.
“Meaningful” things, like those of “value” and “importance” are often only cerebral — they connect with the part of us that works only when all is undisturbed and serene; when there is no commotion nor distress.
When all we do is mental but not heart or emotionally felt we are living out of our false self with a large part of our nature buried below these facts of life.
In the normal world, when life is often chaotic, decisions are made in the moment while our buttons are being pushed, we don’t always feel those predetermined values impacting our day, our psyche or our emotions.
And I believe our emotions are important. Our mood, perspective and intuition are all as important as our values.
Now of course, our values should and can directly affect that which brings us pleasure and satisfaction. But in the times when they do not, having sprinkled our morning with a favorite yet often neglected activity can create momentum towards productivity and efficency.
In my multi-tasking world, it’s hard to sustain a high level of enthusiasm when I start off focusing purely on priorities. Eventually I’ll dry out and simply want to check-off to-dos instead of doing my best work.
Even worse, if I have built the habit of procrastinating my personal joys, (aka being disciplined for the sake of the goal with no eye on enjoying the journey) I can work for days, weeks or months suppressing my internal needs for an unknown future.
Does this make sense?
I’m just saying… to do some small pleasures first every day… to enjoy the journey even in small bite sized pieces will not only help our sanity, but it can improve the respective day as well.
Your thoughts? Please share.