Mary’s Minute
“Don't mistake activity with
achievement.”
―
In our current situation we have developed a new definition of activity and achievement. For healthcare and other essential workers their level of activity is certainly both activity and achievement.
Many of us are working from home and suddenly activity seems totally different than what it did a few months ago. The contrast makes me reflect on a life that sometimes seems in the distant past.
Just a few months ago, it seemed that everyone was busy. We were busy at work, and when we are home we are busy with household chores and social activities. Children were embedded in world of the generation of joiners, rushing from one activity to another. Being busy with activities was not necessarily a bad thing, but this new normal makes the words of the famous coach John Wooden relevant, as we realize activity is not the equivalent of achievement.
Coach Wooden was undoubtedly giving advice about sports, but I think his remark makes sense in all aspects of life. In our jobs, being busy is not the same as being productive. In our personal lives, having a full schedule of activities does not equate to personal satisfaction and happiness. Of course, it can, and many of us long for the days when we can return to more activity.
Many of us are working from home and suddenly activity seems totally different than what it did a few months ago. The contrast makes me reflect on a life that sometimes seems in the distant past.
Just a few months ago, it seemed that everyone was busy. We were busy at work, and when we are home we are busy with household chores and social activities. Children were embedded in world of the generation of joiners, rushing from one activity to another. Being busy with activities was not necessarily a bad thing, but this new normal makes the words of the famous coach John Wooden relevant, as we realize activity is not the equivalent of achievement.
Coach Wooden was undoubtedly giving advice about sports, but I think his remark makes sense in all aspects of life. In our jobs, being busy is not the same as being productive. In our personal lives, having a full schedule of activities does not equate to personal satisfaction and happiness. Of course, it can, and many of us long for the days when we can return to more activity.
I think staying busy is a great
thing, but I just want to be sure that I remember that being busy is not alone enough
to feel self-actualized.
We are now busy in different ways. When we begin to return to our former busy lives with our jobs, trips, social commitments, community involvement,
and much more, I believe we will be more self-ware of what is truly necessary and what is important for happiness. Activity can certainly lead to achievement or success, but now more than ever we are cognizant that we need to make sure our actions are leading to the kind
of achievement we desire whatever that may be.
Stay safe and well!
Mary
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