Is it possible to live our day—to embrace our day—without measuring?
The Proverb says, “There is a time for everything.” I would include measurement. In certain projects measurement is a critical means to complete a task. In certain personal categories, like finances, measurement is also essential.
But some of us have taken it too far, like when we measure our personal life. In fact I have created a measurement system to better evaluate my adherence to personal relational goals. Huh? It’s as if I have equated my business goals with my personal life goals. Yes, sometimes measurement in personal life is necessary, but I am beginning to believe I have taken it too far. How about you?
In Terry Hershey’s Sabbath Moment on May 1, 2017 he wrote:
Is it possible to live our day—to embrace our day—without measuring? Meaning, without the need to justify or defend ourselves to what is usually an unseen audience? Here’s the deal: This week, I spoke from my heart. I listened with my heart. I gave my heart freely… Can’t I let that be enough?
We have been convinced culturally to live productively, all the time. In fact you and I often adhere to SMART GOALS, in our personal free time. As you know SMART GOALS (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Based) are considered essential in business. This is true. But many personal goal-setting “experts” even advise the same for our personal life. Whatever became of simple pleasure?
Goals or Pleasure
Terry Hershey, on the other hand, describes much of the way I have been feeling recently. I have actually been living more slowly and less driven. While still living meaningfully, I am feeling less pressure. I only want to enjoy and embrace the activity in which I am involved, right now! I refuse to “measure” how well a conversation transpired or measure the value of a painting as I am painting it or asking myself if am being productive at this certain moment.
Your life is already filled with so many to-do’s. You don’t need to measure everything. In fact, what if you simply made a decision to ignore the pressure of measurement? Or, if necessary, to get a good start try putting time in your calendar for doing nothing, except fun. Then, honor that date as seriously as you would an appointment with your boss.
Let me know how it works.
Measurement Makes Pleasure
Feel Like Work!
Photo courtesy of DNY59 at istockphoto
