The Feeling That You’re Always Behind on Work

The Feeling That You’re Always Behind on Work

By Leo Babauta

Many of us have a constant never-ending feeling that we’re always behind on what we need to get done.

We wake up and already have a sense(sens) that we’re behind, and the slight anxiety(aNGˈzī-itē) that comes with that sense causes us to jump into our day, checking messages and email, starting the treadmill(ˈtredˌmil) of tasks and distractions and busyness that doesn’t end until we fall asleep.

How do we deal with this slight ever-present feeling of anxiety and this sense that we’re always behind on everything?

The answer comes, I believe, from slowing down, simplifying(ˈsimpləˌfī), and cultivating(ˈkəltəˌvāt) a sense of contentment(kənˈtentmənt).

Let’s look at each of these in turn.

Slowing Down

When we rush through the day, constantly doing small tasks and checking and responding to messages and running to distractions … we will always feel a slight sense of anxiety, because we are churning(CHərn) through things but feeling like we’re never getting anywhere. It’s a nonstop treadmill.

Slowing down is about pausing(pôz) in the middle of the rush. Taking a breath(breTH). Creating a little space. Reflecting on what we’re doing. Finding a little mindfulness, being present with our bodies, breath and surroundings.

Then asking, “Is there really a need to rush to the next thing? Can I stay and be present with this one thing? Or do nothing for a little bit?”

Simplifying

Once we’ve slowed down, and started to practice mindfully with whatever is coming up … we can start to simplify.

What does it mean to simplify in this case? It means to let go of attachments to doing everything.

For example, if I’ve slowed down, I might take a look at my todo list for today … and realize that it’s a complete fantasy(ˈfantəsē). I’m not going to get all of that done. Let’s move one thing to tomorrow, one task to a “Later This Week” list, and one to “Later This Month” (or even, “Do Next Year”).

Cultivating a Sense of Contentment

What does it mean for this “one thing” to be enough? It means acknowledging that it’s impossible to do everything on your list, impossible to get everything done. So you have to focus on one thing, and let that be enough.

“Enough” in this case means you’re content with doing this. It’s a beautiful thing to do, worthy(ˈwərT͟Hē) of some of your precious(ˈpreSHəs) life, worth letting the sands of time slip through your fingers because it’s important and wonderful.

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https://zenhabits.net/behind/