Why not try a not to do list

One thing I’ve noticed as I naval gaze and try to be a better person is that I focus on doing things. I’ll list out one thing after the other that I feel will eventually make me an all round better chap.

While this is a pretty good strategy and a good way forward, it is only half the story. The reason for this is that there are plenty of things in my life that if I stopped doing them I would also be a better person.

So with this in mind I’m sitting down and writing a not to do list. I’ve realised that I need to spend a bit of time stopping some things. I’m not talking about anything major but they are just as important as some of the things I’d like to do. A lot of them are linked to eating things and other pastimes that waste far too much time.

I’m not sure if it age finally catching up with me but I am realising that how I use my time is becoming more important. I have noticed that far too much of my time is wasted simply doing nothing. I then moan and complain that I don’t seem to get anything done.

So, I’m off to compile my list… and not a moment too soon.

Is there anyone else who has a ‘not to do’ list?

Bookmark and Share

Accountability for introverts

In the Richard Bachman (Stephen King) novel The Regulators, there is a wonderful description of why protestants couldn’t get on with the concept of confession*. I must admit I feel a little similar when it comes to accountability.

I’ve done Myers Briggs several times and consistently come out as an introvert. If there is a party, I’ll be the one standing on my own. If there is a reception of some sort I’ll be the one wandering around nibbling the hors d’oeuvres instead of engaging in conversation.

However, give me a big enough platform I will perform with the best of the rest. A small group of six or seven and I am lost; standing in front of a crowd that could number thousands and I know exactly where I am. And that brings me to accountability.

I would be no good, well at least not currently, dealing with a spiritual director or a one on one life coach. I’d find myself going silent, giving monosyllabic answers and regretting every moment, wasting everyone’s time.

The web, and this site in particular, give me accountability. By living a life that is refelcted online I am able to share what I get up to. Many times I’ve thought whether I should write something or not, but more often that not I have proceeded because it is me. It isn’t always the right thing to do, but it is a real reflection of who I am.

For an introvert the Internet allows me to be accountable to others. Anyone who comes along and reads can see what I want to do, where I succeed and where I fail. And if they really want to help, the comment section is always open ;)

Life isn’t perfect, and I am certainly not. This blog isn’t my confession, but it is an offering of who and what I am. And I hope and pray that the offering improves as I journey on.

*I’m pretty sure this is the book, but I could be wrong, I don’t have a copy to hand. I left mine at The Dark Tower. And because of the PG nature of this blog, I won’t repeat the description here.

Bookmark and Share