Do Nothing

As I was sitting down to write my last blog post of the year, I knew I wanted to offer something that would be of value and service to you. 

And then it occurred to me.  

You do not need one more tip.

You do not need one more trick.

Or best practice. 

Or process. 

Or checklist.

Or template.

Or reflection question.

Or whatever.

What you need–what we all need–is rest.

Rest to restore your energy. 

Rest to rejuvenate your spirit. 

Rest to ease your weary mind. 

Not because you've earned it. 

Not because you deserve it. 

Rest because you're human. 

Rest because it is your right.

Back in my ED days, I developed a habit to help me close my laptop, quiet the persistent siren song of my to do list, disconnect my brain, and just be.

I usually had to pull this habit out around 4:59 on Friday afternoons, when I could have easily worked well into night, straight through 'til dawn, over the weekend, and on into Monday.

It's a mantra, of sorts. I spoke it out loud, to whoever or whatever might be listening.

I own that this is super corny. But it works for me. And I hope that it can work for you, too.

You ready? 

I say: "I have done all I can do for __________ this [DAY/WEEK/YEAR]."

Fill in the blank.

It might be your organization. 

It might be your sector. 

It might be the particular issue you're addressing.

It might even be a loved one. 

The time frame can be anything you need it to be: 

This minute. 

This hour. 

This day.

This week. 

This year. 

It acknowledges all that you've done, without judgment.

It acknowledges that there is still more to do, without judgment.

It acknowledges that there will be a pause between the two, without judgment. 

And since I try to embody the values I share, I'll close by saying…

I have done all I can do for this year. Thank you for making it a great one.