“If not now, when?” This might sound like a call to arms, and it often is! There might be something right in front of us that we have ignored or misconstrued and if we pay attention we find that now is the time to handle it, and I am the one to do so.
However, this phrase is also an opportunity to step back and reflect. If you have been feeling the pressure from an undone task or response, perhaps if you take a moment to breathe, you will discover you can let go of it for now. The timing may not be realistic right now and if you let yourself evaluate the situation, you may discover that the it may be better next month, or next year. And there may be small but necessary steps to take between now and then to get it accomplished.
“If not me, who?” This question also takes some reflection rather than a knee jerk response. When we are in “worker bee” mode, it feels imperative to handle everything, for everyone, that comes our way. Not always true! If you take a moment to look around, you may discover that there is someone else actually more suited to the task, or that you will do it better with a partner or support team.
So breathe, reflect, use a little time for curiosity when under pressure – that is how your creativity will emerge.
Ask yourself –
When have I rushed into something without thinking it through? How’d that work?
Do I think it’s up to me to solve all the world’s problems, take care of everyone I know?
What are my priorities when problem solving?
No need to conquer the world in just one day! Patty & Suzanne