Simplify

I've always struggled with time management. I feel it more because I have what feels like an infinitely flexible schedule.

I realized that it's so easy to fill one's life with the useless. There's a lot of static and noise that we fill our lives with.

I've been (re)reading Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit, and the first section of the book mentions habit stacking so that one can maximize one's time with all the planning that one must do, for home, for work, for family, etc. All of this to "maximize productivity" and "feel productive" throughout the day.

I understand and for the most part agree with his approach, but as I was reading it this time around, I found myself reflecting on the busy-ness that we all seem to have as we get older. Why have we put ourselves in such a position to have to be productive all the time? If I'm on my morning commute, why can't I spend that time reflecting on the beauty of the day (I have the fortune of driving by some beautiful mountains when I go in for work)? Or why can't I just sit and be still for a bit? I suppose one could fold that into one's stack of habits, but the approach seemed so... busy.

My friends and I are all busy working (or something like it) and we're always busy, but I'm beginning to wonder, what are we all so busy with?

Does cleaning and cooking one's home really take up that much time?

Where is this elusive free time that the previous generations worked so hard to achieve?

I wonder, if I cut out all of the "distractions" in my life, the things that I consider unworthy of my time, how much free time will I have?

Sometimes, with all the things that I've put in my life, all the things I want to do and accomplish, will I ever feel like I can truly relax?

But then, I wonder if it's really a matter of mindset. I can relax as I do whatever it is I set out to do.