The clock keeps ticking
Whenever I take my kids to the play area nearby, I always observe something interesting. I usually inform my kids 10 to 15 minutes before its time to leave. Every time I tell them it is almost time to leave, they take a moment and then start playing with much more energy, telling each other that it is the last 10 or 15 minutes of fun for that day. They wish to utilize that remaining time to the fullest.
Similar behavior is noticed whenever children indulge in an activity they like, be it a computer game, TV show or break between studies, i.e. when time for the activity to end comes near, they find new energy to enjoy that limited time left. There is something about knowing that fun time is about to end, which makes them want to squeeze the most of the last few minutes.
This always brings me to thinking that it is this combination of urgency and enthusiasm that stimulates the children. It makes them want to do every possible thing to make the best out of the limited time. As we grow, we become less energetic and passionate due to the loss of one or both of the components.
As adults, we control our own time. And unless we are pressurized by a deadline, imposed by someone else (e.g. a boss or a teacher or a coach), we lose the sense of urgency, thinking that we have enough time. This thinking leads us to procrastination, and leaving important stuff under the false premise of having too much time, despite knowing somewhere deep down inside that time as it passes becomes less and less.
On the other hand, we start taking up projects and tasks just for the materialistic or superficial reasons, that have no deep purpose. We lose our motivation and do not have enough desire to perform them the best way, and down the road, we lose enthusiasm. Thus our efforts do not provide any real pleasure.
Make sure that your projects are aligned with the purpose that bring you real joy and motivation. It will keep you energetic and passionate about everything you do to achieve that purpose. Self-imposed deadlines will keep the sense of urgency alive. Only then we can ensure that we have enough energy to face challenges, and enjoy working on our projects before we run out of time.
This post first appeared at https://bit.ly/2Y3PScT
