‘It always takes longer than you think it’s going to’.
These were the words I uttered before jumping into the car for an 800 kilometre road trip.
It wasn’t until we were about 200 kilometres into the drive that something dawned on me. It turns out that my comment could apply to just about everything.
It always takes longer than you think it’s going to:
- To develop a new skill.
- To strengthen those muscles.
- To renovate the house. Or even to clean it.
- To straighten your hair.
- To get the kids to bed.
- To pay off your mortgage.
- To land the project. Or to get it started for that matter.
- To duck to the shops.
But, here’s the thing. What if we took the pressure off ourselves? What if we let it be ok to take our time? To enjoy a bit more grace and ease rather than always racing towards the goal? To think about things in terms of what we get to do rather than what we should do, or even have to do?
My intuition tells me we’d feel lighter. And less anxious. Because my coaching experience tells me that rushing and self imposed deadlines tend to breed a special sort of anxiety. The sort that stops women from starting things, and from living their lives in a way that’s full and fabulous.
So my message this week is to give yourself the time and space to achieve your dreams. Progress is still progress and baby steps actually bring their own benefits.
It always takes longer than you think it will. And I’d argue that maybe that’s a good thing.
What’s taking longer than you thought it would? I’d love for you to share in the comments section below.
And until next time – stay fabulous.
Warmest, Janelle.
What a lovely post. You have given me something to ponder during this time at home.
Hi Wendy, I’m so glad this post resonated with you. Sending you only good wishes as you stay safely at home xx
So true Janelle, the list of things is to long to mention. And I’m terrible for rushing to get things done and having the big lists to get done. I’m starting to realise though its not until we stop rushing that you can really start to be mindful and enjoy the moments that matter…that and smaller lists 🙂
Paula, I think you and I could start a campaign to remove things from lists!! Rather than rushing to tick off ‘all the things’ I feel like women could be encouraged to start getting intentional about what they want to do, and to start taking all the time they need to accomplish those things xx