Remember when Nike came up with that fabulous slogan, “Just Do It?” It was way back in 1988 when Dan Wieden who worked on the Nike account put those three powerful words together. Since then that inspirational line has spawned generations of motivated people determined to do just that. As an exhausted middle ager, I have some thoughts…
Although I think of myself as an optimistic, adventurous soul who gets up without the help of caffeine (yes, really) and powers through the day undeterred by naysayers with my ambitious list of goals and can-do attitude, I realize now that it’s ok to just not do it. In fact it’s perfectly acceptable in some cases to reassess, reprioritize, or simply to rest. Sometimes the answer is to completely jump ship. Yep, I said it.
I’m not talking about sleeping through a weekday or quiet quitting, shirking your responsibilities or abandoning promises. But what about not setting an alarm on a weekend for a change? I’m not suggesting you strut into McDonald’s and order your bad self twenty happy meals to make you happy… but it might be fun to collect all those toys, no? I’m half kidding. Hey, have you considered giving the no carbs mantra a rest for a hot minute and let yourself enjoy a quality burger with a bun? Or scrapping the Sunday to-do list in exchange for a guilt free movie or a neighborhood stroll? What about reflection, journaling or just hanging out? Can you imagine not volunteering to be in charge just once and maybe letting someone else step up so that you can sit down?
Sometimes we are so focused on what’s next for ourselves that we neglect to look around. It’s ok to take a breather, or a break, table a project or back burner a once important goal that might no longer seem relevant. It’s also ok to let a colleague, partner, or up and comer take the reins. Learn to be comfortable with delegating and stepping aside. With experience comes humility. It’s ok to move forward with a different purpose and still maintain your integrity while changing your contribution. You can still shine by being supportive. Besides, quiet confidence is a beautiful thing.
Life always seems to move so quickly. But both reading the room and knowing yourself take practice and grace. And this means giving yourself enough time to recharge and relax so that you’re fortified to continue in whatever capacity you decide you’re able. So puh-leeze, let yourself throw out the damn bananas! It’s ok to not be a modern day Martha Stewart if you feel like being couch potato Cathy. Especially if there is popcorn involved. 😊
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