The Guilt From Things Not Accomplished

I’m all about truly living, we only get one life to live and I’m going to live it to the fullest. In that spirit I try to take any chance I can to try something new that could better my life.

My wife and daughter

One thing our family decided to do this year was Tae Kwon Do. It was something I always wanted to do as a kid and I knew my kids would love it. The only problem I foresaw was the schedule.

Things are a little bit busy these days so taking on something new…….. We have been doing Tae Kwon Do for about two months and at first I was there every night.

As time has gone on my wife and kids have continued to go but my attendance has slipped. As I get closer to my book launching, as I head out to speak at events worldwide, I just haven’t been able to make it.

I noticed something today that I think I’ve been afraid to say out loud: it’s OK! 

For the last few weeks as my family has continued to go and progress and I’ve continued to miss class and fall behind, I’ve felt very guilty. I’ve had all kinds of thoughts running through my mind telling me I’m not living what I preach, telling me that I’m not trying hard enough.

I had to remind myself of a couples of things that I want to share with you today if you’re in the same boat or if you experience this guilt in the future.

You can’t do it all

As much as I try to practice my superman skills (which I don’t have), reality reminds me that I can’t do everything. I have to let you in on a secret, neither can you!

I know that many of us have big goals this year which will require a lot of work and maybe a lot of tired days but at some point you’ll reach your limit. If you are pushing ahead with your goals and make progress, cut yourself a little slack if you can’t do everything right now. 

You have to take a breather from time to time

I talked about this a few weeks ago but if you don’t properly rest you’ll burn out. Michael Hyatt even goes as far as to say you should consider taking naps during the day and I’m sure his schedule is insane.

Yesterday I was ready to go to Tae Kwon Do when it just hit me, I was too exhausted to go, I just couldn’t do it. I wanted to go so badly and I felt guilty I was even thinking of not going but I had done so much yesterday, I was extremely productive.

Immediately I realized I couldn’t do it all and it was Ok to miss it and just rest. The result was the next day I was rested and not dragging which could have ruined that day.

Give yourself permission to miss whatever you feel guilty about missing and take the rest that could help the rest of your day or week.

You can always revisit when you’re a little less busy

I’ve wanted to learn Tae Kwon Do since I was a kid but now is not the time. I’m speaking a lot, I’m launching a book, I’m coaching and consulting. I’m hitting the gym everyday losing weight, as much as I want to learn, now is just not the time.

After all the craziness of this year dies down I can come back to Taw Kwon Do and give it my full attention. By this time next year I hope to be writing posts telling you about all the boards I broke:)

If there is something in your journey that you just don’t have time for then think long and hard and if you can’t do it right now, come back later. This way you’re not doing a bunch of things half way, you’re focusing and making each thing you do killer good.

Just make sure

I want to give you a word of cation here, please don’t miss interpret what I’m saying. There’s a big difference between not taking on something new because you’re busy and not taking on something new because you don’t feel like it.

Life is too short to accept laziness and we have way too much to accomplish this year. So really examine your motivation for what you take on and what you put off to later, only you can judge.

The bottom line is if you have felt guilty because you’re juggling too much then don’t! Determine what’s important right now and work on things as you have the right time for them. Trust me, your stress level will go down!

What is one thing that you’ve felt guilty about not having time for right now? 

P.S. 

Don’t miss the FREE webinar Jeremy Jones and I are putting on about why most marketing fails. If you’re going to launch a book or anything online this webinar is for you. Even if you can’t make it, sign up to get the replay emailed to you later. Sign up here