Yesterday, I read a great post over on ZenHabits by Leo Babauta about letting things happen.
He and I must be on similar journeys because these past few months I’ve been conscious of letting things happen in my business and life, as well.
You may have noticed that all the changes and rebranding I promised about 2 months ago hasn’t happened yet. We’re “this close” to launching all that newness, but I’ve slowed down the process to make sure things are right this time around, and not just a rushed mishmash of production that doesn’t work in the long run.
Through that process I’ve been able to listen more closely to feedback from my ideal clients, take better stock of what I really want to build and notice the things that are missing that must be tended to.
The slow process sometimes feels very uncomfortable. I often feel compelled to do something NOW so as to move forward faster. But when I challenge my anxiety I see that allowing the process to guide me, rather than setting hard deadlines come hell or high water, that our outcome is so much better.
The Opposite Approach
Today I read another blog post that, in the past, would have resonated with me, but now feels unhelpful. It’s one of those posts that challenges the reader to consider this THE DAY to get things done. Sort of like, “Live like this is the last day of you life. What would you do? What would you wish you accomplished? Do it now!”
This attitude leaves me sort of “meh.”
Because unless you have a fatal illness or are planning to play in traffic, chances are this isn’t your last day. Artificial charges to live each day to it’s fullest don’t inspire people for long because they know they have time to get to the things they should do.
The Not So Easy Balance
Where the sweet spot lies for those who want a lovely life is the place between letting things just happen and living each day to it’s fullest. This isn’t easy.
It can be done when we are conscious about how we spend our time and are thoughtful about our goals and a the paths we take in life.
If you want an ideal business, you know you have to do the work.
If you want an ideal life, you know you have to make compromises with things to get time off and do the things you want to do.
And what you need to do and want to do with compete, every day, as you grow your business and live your life.
Being open to letting things happen is important. Knowing when you need to get your ass into gear and grind toward a goal is an important skill as well.
Blog posts like the ones I read this week can get us thinking, but talk is cheap.
Living and doing and creating balance is a dance and looks different for each and every one of us.
Today is your day to choose. Every day is your day to choose.
You can sit back and take stock of where you are at and listen to the process.
You can sit down and do the work you need to do.
Or you can do both if you plan your time right : ).
