This time, it was two words
Proactive & Reactive
And I remembered a meeting we had at work where the topic of discussion was the amount of money required to repair the mechanical equipment that seemed to be breaking down all at once. I watched and listened as the discussion grew heated; nothing worse than watching grown men roll their eyes (heehee I digress). There was always a sense of urgency in the air. Tempers flared, voices were raised, as each week a bit of money was released for the latest disaster. Same thing a few days later. And I wondered, if all the same equipment was breaking down had they taken steps to check the equipment that was working to catch the problem before it became an issue? In other words, were they being proactive or did they just thrive on being reactive. And I watched and soon realized the majority thrived on the drama of being reactive.
I wondered why this was on my mind. And it occurred to me that I have fallen into the trap of living reactively. Unlike my hubby who has an organized mind and seems to jump out of bed with a mental to do list, my head is completely disorganized. All the thoughts vying for attention; all racing to the finish line. I get up and whatever thought is loudest gets addressed. I'm easily distracted by the laundry on my way to put something away or start watering plants when I was supposed to be doing the bills. So yep, I've become the 'eye-rolling grown man waving my arms at latest disaster' I used to laugh at. ugghh
Which brings me to the realization that I'm one of those that needs to live my life with intent. My focus is so broad, with ideas and thoughts jumping all over like popcorn kernels in a popper, that I need to put the horse blinders on. In order to live proactively, I need lists that funnel those 'jumping-bean' thoughts. It's like dislodging a mental log jam so that new thoughts follow and keep flowing smoothly, unencumbered. Funny how I forgot this about myself.
Now, where's that list that told me where all my other lists went?
Oh yeah...
it's probably in that post-it pile that looks like a kinetic sculpture...
Oh yeah...
it's probably in that post-it pile that looks like a kinetic sculpture...
I finally had to succumb to making a *to-do* list this year. I was forgetting things until the last minute, totally blowing off important work for the mundane (laundry--yes!) and being frustrated in general.
ReplyDeleteI went to the dollar store and spent $2---two long colorful pads of paper for grocery lists. One stays in the Kitchen (where I can never escape from!) and the other is at my side in the studio. I scribble as I think of things, cross off when they are done.....
Even when I feel like I have not done *a lot*---and I have a lot of those days---I can look at the list.
It really helps, but it took the designed, bright paper for me to stick to it.
*sigh*
*rolls eyes*
XXOO~~♥
Anne
Elena, I have popcorn thoughts too...we all do, this is the way of the mind...some people (like your husband) seem to have an easier time "harnessing" their thoughts/energy...while for others of us...we flit a bit like butterflies. I don't think this is necessarily a "bad" trait...it is just how we are. Perhaps reframing this quality...to one of trust...I KNOW in this moment what is calling out to me for attention...I will attend to this now, and give it my full presence. In this way this quality is actually beneficial...but I also hear your concern about distractablity and reactiveness...If you/I see what needs attention in the moment and are fully present, then are we reacting or responding? Perhaps simply noticing if our body is tense, our breath held tight...we can relax and exhale and choose our tasks with conscious awareness.
ReplyDelete(PS...I make lists and lose them too lol!)
My guess is you are more on target than you realize or you wouldn't have written this post!
(pps...write the affirmation I offered today and read it daily...you are being way too hard on yourself...Shine, Shine, Shine!)
I do "To Do" lists all the time. I keep a journal mainly for that. I have my art journal and then I have my "to do list" book/journal. I always write what I'm going to do on that given day. In fact I just did that a few minutes agon. It keeps me on track and I feel better knowing I did what I said I was going to do. One day at a time. Just try it, I promise it helps. However, if you look at your sidebar, you have a pile of "Things to do" and quite a big list at that.:D
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and I wonder if in 6 months the "to do" list will be as important? Very interesting indeed...... :)
ReplyDeleteI have post its all over my desk! This week I made a grocery list and then never took it out of my purse. Only bought one thing not on my list and forgot two things on it. But I'm in a reactive roll too.
ReplyDelete