Lisa notes

I look at the list of things I want to accomplish today.

The list is too long. I know it when I see it. I’d love to get to each item today and spend ample time on each.

But it’s impossible.

So I remind myself of this mantra on an almost daily basis:

You don’t have to finish today.

I’m not a procrastinator by nature. I really do like to start AND finish things (I’m an Upholder, if you know about Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies quiz).

But if a project isn’t time-sensitive, while it may need finishing eventually, it rarely has to be finished today.

And there are things that NEVER have to be finished. We will leave life with unfinished business. 

So for now, take the pressure off yourself by saying it’s okay to stop for the day.

Even if it’s not complete.

Maybe not for everything. But for most things? It’s alright.

You don’t have to finish today.

Is it hard or easy for you to shut down for the day if you’re not finished? Share in the comments.

Read More:

• Create More Finish Lines
• How to Win Your Fight with Time
• Can You Meet the Expectation?

You are on Day #14 of the series: Find Your Mantra {28 Daily Mantras}

• See the Mantras Table of Contents here
• Subscribe to the blog to get each mantra in your email (if you don’t already subscribe)

Previous:
“Focus on the highest good” {Mantra 13}

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“Oh, well. So what?” {Mantra 15}

Whether you’ll be attending an event today, or meeting with a group, or spending a day at home, what is your ultimate goal for today?

Not just the immediate, obvious goal. But the big one. The underlying goal more important than anything else.

Sometimes we don’t think about the larger goal. And thus miss it.

But with a little self-questioning and intention, we can:

Focus on the highest good.

Perhaps the highest good is to:

• Enjoy the moment loving the people you’re with
• Create a work of beauty to share with the world
• Reconnect with God in a meaningful way

Whatever your highest good might be, let it be your driving force for that time.

And the other details? Whether they go as planned or not, it won’t matter quite as much.

Focus on the highest good.

What is the highest good for your day today? Share in the comments.

You are on Day #13 of the series: Find Your Mantra {28 Daily Mantras}

• See the Mantras Table of Contents here
• Subscribe to the blog to get each mantra in your email (if you don’t already subscribe)

Previous:
“Presume goodwill” {Mantra 12}

Next:
“You don’t have to finish today” {Mantra 14}

We can’t control what other people do.

And neither can we accurately explain why people do what they do.

We don’t know what others are thinking. Or how they’re feeling.

Sometimes we might make a good guess. But not always. And never for certain.

Instead, if we’re guessing anyway, can we assume the best of them instead of the worst?

Presume goodwill.

We often do it for ourselves. If I act up, it’s just because “I’ve been under a lot of pressure” or “I’m really tired.”

But if you do the same thing, I might think, “You’re just mean.”

It’s called the Fundamental Attribution Error [read more about it here, “You’re Bad, But I’m Just Stressed”].

And it’s a dangerous bias. We never have all the facts. Prematurely judging each other is harmful.

On the other hand, it’s a big boost to my confidence when someone assumes the best of me, even when my words or actions might be in question.

If they assume my intent was good, I feel secure and loved.

Can I do that for others?

Jeff and I often remind each of this pact we’ve made: Assume the best.

It prevents a few arguments when we remember to put it into practice.

Erring on the side of grace makes for healthier relationships.

When God gives grace to us (which God gives us daily), we can pass it along to others.

Presume goodwill. 

Is it hard or easy for you to assume the best of others? Share in the comments.

Read More:

• When We Eat Our Own
• Do You Assume the Best or the Worst? (And the Barking Lady)
• Don’t Take This Personally

You are on Day #12 of the series: Find Your Mantra {28 Daily Mantras}

• See the Mantras Table of Contents here
• Subscribe to the blog to get each mantra in your email (if you don’t already subscribe)

Previous:
“Take one step” {Mantra 11}

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“Focus on the highest good” {Mantra 13}