Last night I opened my laptop, slouched in a comfortable chair, and went on the internet. It was the first time I had done that in longer than I can remember, at least several months.
Why? Because I love self-improvement, and I am aware of the perils of sitting for long periods. So I converted my desks (2 min.) at home and at work into standing desks. I didn’t do so simply because it was “good for me.” I was excited to make the change. As a result I feel more energized, and I have experienced improvements in areas of back tension.
Nonetheless, it definitely takes more effort to stand than sit.
But last night I wanted to meet my needs for ease and relaxation. I realized: I’m generally on my feet most of the day anyway. My efforts to optimize were good enough.
I love increasing efficiency, optimizing, and seeking to maximize the most out of life. I meditate 5-6 days a week. I take walks frequently. I use the pomodoro technique. I write a daily gratitude journal. I plan rehearsals to the minute. I seek to get my inbox to zero (57 min). Of late, however, I’ve more deeply internalized that a sense of perfectionism easily can attach to these acts of well-being.
The ambitious, driven parts of me have definitely proved beneficial. But the tendency to drive to a point of intense hustling can sometimes tie me in knots, prevent creativity and vulnerability, and create friction like an un-oiled trumpet valve.
I read last weekend in an article about decision making (10 min.) that “good enough is almost always good enough.”
This post is good enough.
