Drop Your Schedules That Brings You Dissatisfaction

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” Lao Tzu

Healthy pressure is good in life. Having discipline and routine raises our levels of effectiveness. The benefits are that we are better able to pursue our aspirations and dreams. However, if the plans that we create cause us unnecessary displeasure or dissatisfaction in the process is it really worth it?

What if instead of being consumed by our schedules, thinking that they are our only options we take control back. Just as we own our plans and those things we wish to accomplish, let’s also control the journey.

This has come to my attention recently a few times. For example, when my wife was planning our holiday it was easy to notice how much the process was getting to her. She looked tired, stressed and burnt out. I couldn’t understand why. How could creating a plan to go on holiday bring such misery? As I suggested a holiday is a wonderful thing to be able to do but if it brings such displeasure to the moment just drop it. Come back to it with fresh eyes later.

The more I age the more I realise that all my plans, dreams and good intentions are not that important in the grand scheme of life. If I cannot enjoy this experience which is essentially an ability to be present and pleased with each moment I have, despite the actuality of the moment, for what is the point?

This is a great motivation for me and I hope it is for you also. If your plans today are causing you grief, drop them. Focus on something else. Focus on nothing. Return to them later only if you feel you must. If the plans in your life are not bringing your joy apply the same approach.

Further Reading and Resources 

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