Hello, I’m Kyo.
Do you ever find yourself constantly feeling rushed? You’re so focused on one task after another that you lose sight of everything else.
You’re stuck in a “busy loop” where you’re so focused on the little details that you can’t see the big picture.
This is often called “can’t see the forest for the trees,” and it’s a common problem. We get so caught up in the little things that we forget what truly matters.
Today, I want to talk about “essential thinking” and how you can free yourself from this cycle and find some peace of mind.
1. Why Do You Get So Caught Up in the Details?
Being able to focus deeply on one thing is a great skill. But if you’re not careful, it can also be the reason why you lose control of your time.
You get a dopamine hit every time you finish a task, no matter how small. This sense of accomplishment makes you unconsciously seek out more tasks to complete. This is how you get stuck in a state of being “busy” all the time, even when the tasks aren’t a priority in the grand scheme of things.
2. “Essential Thinking” to Stop Feeling Rushed
To stop being controlled by your to-do list and start focusing on what truly matters, you need to use “essential thinking.” This means consciously thinking about the purpose of your daily actions.
Step 1: Decide on just one essential goal for the day.
At the start of your day, decide on just one thing you want to accomplish.
For example, “I will finish this report today” or “I will outline the core of this project.”
It doesn’t have to be a big thing. This one essential goal will be your anchor for the day.
Step 2: Set clear time limits for focus and switching.
To avoid getting lost in a single task, set a time limit beforehand. Try setting a timer for 30 minutes, or use the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Having a clear end point will help you stay focused while also giving you a natural moment to switch to something else.
Step 3: Consciously look at the “forest.”
At the end of the day, and even for a few minutes throughout the day, take a moment to look at the big picture. Ask yourself if what you did today actually moved you closer to your essential goal.
Reflecting on your day will help you make better decisions about how you use your time in the future.
In conclusion
You might not be busy because you have too much to do. You might be busy because you have a habit of creating a constant sense of busyness for yourself.
The goal isn’t to create a perfect schedule. The goal is to ask yourself if your daily actions are truly essential so you can stop being a slave to your to-do list and graduate from your busy lifestyle.
Do you intentionally make time to pause and reflect in your busy day? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
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