This statement may very well be one of the most instrumental keys to a fulfilling and successful life. Too many of us are overcommitted, overextended, overworked, and ultimately overwhelmed. That’s way too many “overs” folks. Let’s add to the equation that our culture rewards overwork and over commitment while frowning upon those who put limits on their commitments. To eliminate the unnecessary is a lot easier said than done so we will outline a strategy.
Unnecessary is defined as “not needed by the circumstances or to accomplish an end” and “not needed”. Synonyms include unimportant, irrelevant, meaningless, petty, inconsequential, unconsidered, superficial, and mere.
To eliminate can be defined as “To get rid of something that is not wanted or needed. ‘Many infectious diseases have been virtually eliminated’ ” and “to eliminate something from something: He has had to eliminate dairy products from his diet.”
So, what can b done about our chronic over commitment problem? It’s far too easy to say we need to cut down our commitments and workload but certainly not as easy to act upon it. Well, I suppose if it were easy everyone would be doing it. Here are a few practical tips you can use to begin eliminating the unnecessary:
1. Make a list of all of your commitments. You may want to make several separate lists for different areas of your life including professional, personal, church, community, domestic, marital, and children
2. Next, assign a priority rating to indicate importance for each item. The most important item recieves a “1” the next in importance receives a “2” and so on.
3. Begin to cross out items on your list that rank as least important or necessary
4. Begin to devise a strategy to eliminate the least important/necessary items
Life can be challenging and frankly sometimes exhausting. Eliminating unnecessary tasks and committments can virtually be a lifesaver So, today choose to begin eliminating the unnecessary and take control of your life.
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