What are you willing to give up to do what you're pretending to want to do?

Ever since my mission became clearer a few weeks ago, I’ve been frustrated with a schedule that’s simply too full. Of course, I’ve added things (like this writing habit), but I didn’t consciously deprioritize other things. So, I’ve been annoyed with myself, for example, for having a chaotic, not-so-clean home and no time for preparing meals.

However, we never have enough time to do and experience all the things that are interesting, worthwhile, meaningful, or fun. There’s simply not enough time.

Every worthwhile project needs our focus, energy, and time. And not everything is equally important.

So instead of trying to squeeze in more and then ending up frustrated because it doesn’t work, I see that’s impossible, that I need to reset my priorities consciously. I prefer focusing on 1-3 projects at any time, and really moving them forward, rather than spreading my energy too thin.

So it begs the question: if we really want to do something, what are we willing to give up?
This is what Liz Gilbert’s mentor asked her before she was taking writing seriously.

I’m asking myself:

• Am I willing to give up having a clean and orderly home, temporarily, to focus on the work that matters most to me?
• Am I willing to give up on losing those few extra kilos around my waist?
• Am I willing to socialize less and miss out on events?
• Am I willing to have less time to go food shopping and cook my own food?
• Am I willing to not take personal growth courses and healing sessions for a while?
• Am I willing to spend less time on social media, Netflix, WhatsApp, or even reading books?
• Am I willing to see my friends less?

And the answer is: Yes.
For a while.

I’m still going to take care of my body and connect with friends, but it’s not my main priority, eg instead of having three dinners a week with friends, 1 is enough.

It feels good to consciously choose.
I can always reconsider after 1-3 months.

What are you willing to give up?