Keith Lightfoot Blogosphere

Do you find you have less time to do more?

Maybe you feel like Henry Kissinger, “There can’t be a crisis next week, my schedule is already full”.

Signs that your life is out of control:

1. You drum your fingers on the desk waiting for instant email
2. You sigh as the microwave uses a few seconds to heat a meal
3. You curse the new law prohibiting text whilst driving
4. You can clean quicker, but now there is more to clean
5. You can move faster, but there are more places to go
6. You have more channels on your television, but nothing to watch
7. You saturate yourself with time saving gadgets, methods, diaries, time management seminars and rigid scheduling
8. You feel as though you are skimming the surface of life, rather than experiencing it

Society teaches us that success is “just around the next corner” and social gatherings, complete with the customary “so what do you do?” reinforces the need to at least appear successful.

New cars, overseas holidays, private schools, home renovations, gym membership, credit cards, career advancements and labelled clothing are important symbols of perceived success and happiness.

T-shirts boldly proclaim “he who dies with the most toys wins”, yet nothing could be further from the truth.

Anxiety and fear of failure pushes us harder than our bodies (and partners) can deal with, often resulting in stress related illness, or depression, sometimes alcoholism and in many cases, marriage separation or even death.

It is easy to stand back and say to others “hey, slow down, take it easy” while we slosh about in our own cesspool of exhaustion, emotional misery and interest gathering possessions.

We all remember that special moment on vacation, that moment of peace and tranquillity, the beautiful re connection with our partner, the clear thoughts that flooded into our relaxed spirit, the resolution to “change our lives”, to “follow our purpose”, and then the complete abandonment of everything that was discussed upon returning home.

The promise of “success just around the corner” (measured by money and power) has destroyed millions of lives, and has the potential to destroy yours.

It appears impossible to step off the treadmill, yet in your heart you know it is achievable and more importantly you know it is the right thing to do.