Out of Whack

About balance…

I am a big Peloton rider. I got my bike about four years ago and have been hooked every since. It’s just easy and the community is what I need right now. Every time you get on a workout, the instructor says something thought-provoking or inspirational. I have had some spiritual moments in my workouts. The other day one of the instructors said something I wish I would’ve heard when I first started having kids. This woman is a go-getter. She is doing all the things. It may intimidate some or be a turn-off for others, but I see how her hustle brings her joy () and it’s contagious.

She has a two year old little girl and is expecting again. She was talking about how she had to learn to let go. She had to let other people love on and be the care giver for her daughter when she was working or fulfilling other commitments. She learned she will always be her baby’s mom, but in some moments she has to relieve the love and care for her daughter to someone else so she can step into her “identity in that moment.”

I thought, how wise. She has learned the art of releasing all the many hats she wears so she can be completely present in her current situation and responsibility. I don’t know about you, but when I am writing or creating I can easily be distracted. Like right now. I moved some chairs in our backyard and it is absolutely driving me crazy that they aren’t balanced (hahaha. Funny guy, God). I desperately want to go outside and fix them. The designer in me does not like the look I am staring at through my back window. But the designer hat is hanging on the rack. I am currently wearing my writing hat and that is where my focus must be.

So often we feel like we have to do all the things all at once. We can’t hang up our hats and only choose one. So, we get distracted or overwhelmed and many times paralyzed because we are trying to be all the things all the time.

Hang up your hats, ladies. Put them on the rack. Only wear one at a time. We would look a fool if we walked out of the house with multiple hats on our head. You don’t have to divvy up your 100%. You can give 100% to what is right in front of you right in that moment. Then, hang up that hat, grab another (Just One), and give 100% to that task.

I think the first thing we have to do in order to be successful in this is to name our hats. What are the main things you want to do and the main things you must do each day. Make a list. Name your hats. Draw a picture of them hanging on the hat rack on the wall. That way, you can visualize each specific responsibility and desire as you hang one up and put one on.

The problem isn’t that we have too many hats. It’s that we try to put them all on. You only need one at a time and that way you can have 100% to everything one hat at a time.

What is my identity right now in this moment?

Where does my attention need to go?

Identify your must-do tasks. Think about what you devote your time to.

If you are the type, give yourself a “work” schedule.

If a “work” schedule squashes your creativity, give yourself freedom to devote time when the ideas flow taking off the current hat you are wearing and replacing it with the idea that needs to come out.

Name your hats.