I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.
Today’s tip is to avoid saying must or should today.
My wife reminds me that “should” is a cognitive trap for an individual. I try to avoid saying, or thinking that I should do things and rather look at what are real obligations or responsibilities and what are things I would like to do.
This past weekend was a long, holiday weekend, and I had plans to handle some tasks. I worked through some, partially in most cases, but I was able to complete a task. In any case, I didn’t put myself in the place to say I should get more done, or I must get something done.
Instead, I worked on the tasks in front of my, listening to my body, mood, and family, being satisfied with a good effort and the state of my progress.
I had wondered if I could get three Juniper bushes cut down, but in two days, I got two done and then enjoyed another day with my family. The state of things (until this weekend).