Worrying Space
I'll never forget his words.
I'd just started consulting with a major Midlands manufacturing firm, and was in an opening meeting discussing a new IT system.
"So, how long will it take?" asked one of the managers.
Before I could answer, the most senior manager chirped in.
"Projects will ALWAYS fill the time available," he answered sharply. "You've got two months."
I was shocked.
I'd been doing this a while and nobody was ever quite so blunt.
But he was right -- and, yes, we finished within two months. The project filled the time available.
And it occurred to me back then how often we do exactly this in all areas of our life...
Most notably, with our worrying.
We all have a certain amount of "worrying space" (essentially our whole "head" and consciousness). We fill it with all of the petty day-to-day happenings, until something bigger comes along. Then that fills the worrying space for the moment.
A few weeks ago, I was worried about an argument I'd had with a friend. That consumed my mind, and all of my available "worry space."
Then I realized finances were pretty tight, especially on the purchase of my new apartment. So concerns immediately switched to the dropping sales of my company. Then I had a severe health scare, and my attention turned to that... WOW!
When those things passed, I immediately switched my worry to something else. Big or small.
To paraphrase that senior manager...
Our worrying ALWAYS fills the worry space available.
That means even the smallest of problems occupy the entire space and can overload us sometimes. Which means we often forget to notice the happiness, beauty and perfection of everything.
Are YOU guilty of doing that?
I know I certainly am.
The cure?
Either get yourself in PERSPECTIVE as often as you can, or limit the amount of worry space you have available.
I've included a few links to help at the bottom of this post.
Once you've gained that perspective, or limited your worrying space, you'll stop being overwhelmed by some of the small things life throws at you -- and suddenly even the "big things" won't seem all that daunting.
Enjoy -- and realize the perfection in the seeming imperfection :)
* * *
Here are a couple of inspiring links to help get your own life in perspective:
http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2007/06/introducing-antares.html
http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2007/02/aude-aliquid-dignum.html
http://www.karlforum.com/index.php?topic=332.0
And here's how to reduce the worry space available, by "letting go":
http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2006/10/five-simple-words-let-go-and-let-god.html
http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2007/06/introducing-antares.html
http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2007/02/aude-aliquid-dignum.html
http://www.karlforum.com/index.php?topic=332.0
And here's how to reduce the worry space available, by "letting go":
http://www.karlblog.com/blog/2006/10/five-simple-words-let-go-and-let-god.html
Labels: inspiration, self-development
by Karl
12:07 PM
Subscribe
2 Comments:
Karl,
You're a Great Guy.. and I absolutely respect how you manage to poop nearly everyday such a great piece of text.. LOL..
I got your email the other day and I, no I'd better say we, are looking forward to work with you in 2009!!!
Your Smart ass assertive friend from the Netherlands Greetz you with Love, Light & a Lot of Laughter and the Wishes of Another Wonderful Day Full of XMAS Spirit!
Love, Light & a Lot of Laughter
Hilde
By
MissM@c LifeStylezz Blog, at
12:42 AM
Hi Karl, once again your pearls of wisdom came right on time. In these weeks leading up to Christmas, I have jumped on that Crazy Christmas Train and before I am frazzled, I am getting off right now! Frick it!!! Love Liz. xxx
By
Anonymous, at
4:03 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home