Subtraction of time and energy wasters
Because I have so many places spinning at once, I knew before Jim even mentioned it, that I would likely have to subtract things from my life in order to pursue what really matters. One of the things I am working on subtracting is noticing and spending time on crap that doesn’t matter or isn’t important enough to rob me of my time and energy. I have had a pattern of letting things bother me that don’t ultimately warrant paying attention to them or trying to fix them. For instance, I ordered 2 yards of fabric but it came to me 2” short. I realized quickly, after feeling frustrated about being “ripped off” that the time and energy to “set it right” was not worth the time and effort that it would take away from something that does matter to me. I talked a bout this with Sage and here are some areas she suggests to look for time/energy wasters: Energy Drains Worth Examining The Correction Impulse (the pattern you already named) - Fixing other people's grammar, facts, or logic (especially online) - Returning low-cost items that are "close enough" - Writing detailed reviews or complaints about minor issues - Re-explaining yourself when someone misunderstood but the stakes are low - Setting the record straight in conversations where no one's mind will change The Justice/Fairness Loop - Following up on small injustices that won't be resolved satisfyingly - Mentally rehearsing what you'd say to someone who was wrong or unfair - Reading comments sections or news stories that trigger your "that's not right" alarm - Feeling responsible for pointing out hypocrisy or inconsistency in others The "Doing It Right" Tax - Over-researching purchases, decisions, or plans before acting - Redoing something that was 85% good because it wasn't perfect - Spending extra time making an email, text, or post "just right" when casual would've been fine - Organizing or setting up systems for things that don't actually need a system The Obligation Drain - Saying yes to things because you "should," not because you feel a genuine pull - Maintaining relationships out of guilt rather than mutual energy - Keeping career "hats" on out of duty rather than desire - Feeling you need to justify rest or creative time with productivity