The Joys of Inefficiency: Take the Scenic Route
I have had a need for efficiency since I was a kid. I struggle to do something inefficiently in the same way people can’t stand a crooked picture on the wall or a typo in an email. It is a form of perfectionism for me that is so hard to shake, even though I really don’t have to be as efficient anymore.
While parenting, efficiency was a life-saver. Life was one big rush and being efficient meant you could achieve MORE. I see my neighbors now who still have kids at home, driving recklessly in the neighborhood because they’ve got to get their kids to softball practice or chess lessons or SAT class or whatever. Those days were tough days and it felt like everything was so important.
Now that the rush is no longer essential for me, I still have it. It’s hard to shake. I still seek efficiencies like trying to get to places quickly, eat quickly, talk quickly. It’s a hard habit to break but one I really want to break because I do feel like it’s stealing the joy from my life. My desire to be efficient has stopped me from taking the scenic route, blocked me from going to the grocery store that was further away, going into the city and just doing one thing at a time. Below are just some examples of how I am bringing more inefficiency into my life.
Examples of joyful inefficiency:
Shop at Farmers markets
Schlep to the grocery store for the one ingredient you need to make the recipe your wanting to make right now
Take the slower more scenic route
Meet in person instead of on the phone
Do one thing at a time rather than multi-tasking
Do something without a clear goal of being productive (e.g. puzzles, slow leisurely walks to nowhere)
Take your time petting your dog or cat without feeling like you need to do 10 other things
Re-watch a series before the next season or re-read a book before reading the sequel
How can you manage your time differently? Become more inefficient when possible? Slow Down? Here are some links to blogs I have written in the past which you may find helpful in your journey:
If you need support slowing down, I may be able to help. Schedule a free consultation with me here.
