The Last 90 Days—Less is More
I can’t believe we are already counting down the last 90 days of 2024! I have to say that this has been an epic year for me. Since retirement, I’m getting my business off the ground, my book Preside won an award, I was honored as Woman Jurist of the Year by my colleagues and this month I’ll be celebrating one year of marriage. I have been blessed.
While I’ve accomplished many of the things on my ‘to do’ list, there is still so much more to do. I know many people will say that 90 days is plenty of time to push through and complete all of your goals. And while I agree that we should finish the year strong, I plan to do less in these last 90 days, not more.
There are always so many things to do, sometimes I feel like Martha when she and her sister were entertaining Jesus and his disciples. While Martha was running around accomplishing things, Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet. It’s not that what Martha was doing wasn’t important, she was getting things done. That’s how I feel, I like to get things done—but when I was reading this story, I realized that there is something more important than getting things done. It’s getting the right things done. In response to Martha being upset about being the only one rushing around, Jesus said, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV
Mary realized that doing the one thing that would make her life better overall would be greater than doing many little things that don’t really move the needle at all. I’m learning this in business and in life. I can run around and do a lot of little things, but what is the one thing that will make a real impact in my business or relationships? So, for the next 90 days I will focus on what will impact my business, my relationships and my life in a significant way. What about you? What things are you worried about doing that will not make an impact or move you towards your goals? What is the one thing you could focus on instead?
In considering my one thing, I could not ignore my health. The fifties have brought aches, pains and stiffness that I’ve never had before. I was told that literally sitting on the bench for over a decade has impacted my mobility, flexibility and balance. And with the first year of marriage came a few extra ‘love pounds’. So, we recently joined a new gym and I hired a personal trainer. I showed up on the first day ready to hit the weights and give it all I’ve got. The first two sessions were basically stretching. I asked her why we were doing the ‘old lady’ workout. She said at my fitness level, (ouch!) it was better to start slow and build a stronger foundation before we moved on to adding weights and cardio. So, every morning before I do anything else, I just stretch. It seems so small but I feel so much better! I can sit and work without pain and stiffness. I can get up and down with less effort and I have more energy and focus for the other important tasks I need to do daily. By the new year, I’ll be stronger, have more endurance and be ready to tackle everything I want to accomplish in 2025! Improving my health will have the greatest impact on everything else in my life. After all, what is the point of having wealth or incredible relationships and opportunities if you aren’t healthy enough to enjoy them?
Presiding Action
Take some time to reflect on all you’ve accomplished this year. Be grateful for everything you were able to do. Make a list of all of the things you still want to do. Circle the top three things that will have the greatest impact on your life. Is it your health, a relationship or your career? Maybe you’re distracted and having a hard time focusing on a specific task. Maybe time in prayer or meditation before you begin your day is the one thing for you. Whatever it is, give it your full attention. Sometimes less is more.
