Nothing in Perpetuity

I struggle with stopping what I start. It feels like quitting; not following through; leaving a trail of unfinished work. But that's not the case. Time is too finite and too short to spend on activities you don't enjoy.

Several years ago, I established a schedule to publish a new article every two weeks. I enjoyed the routine for awhile, but I continued far past the expiration date. It felt like homework; it felt like a chore. And after a year of writing and publishing articles every two weeks, I called it. The activity was no longer providing me fulfillment and value.

It was time to move on.

I continue to struggle with letting things go. But I'm getting better at realizing things don't have to be done forever, in perpetuity.

It definitely has a lot to do with goals.

I enjoy goal-setting, breaking down projects, creating tasks, and establishing habits. But the Future Drew doesn't always agree with what Past Drew set out to do (hey, that rhymed!). Sometimes I set a goal for the next year, but by the time I'm deep into it I realize I have no energy and desire for it.

That's when it's time to call it.

Perhaps I need to start thinking about how far I set my goals out. Maybe I don't go past 1-3 months. Maybe yearly goals aren't as valuable as I think if they are a forcing-mechanism for activities that become a burden.

Don't burden yourself with inessential activities you don't enjoy. Spend time on the things that matter. And if you set a schedule or goal that is no longer serving your energy, let it go.

Find the next thing that will.