In Others' WordsIn Others' Words

Monday, June 27, 2011

In Others' Words: Everything or Something?



"Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something." ~Author Unknown


Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with everything I have to do, I end up accomplishing nothing. I find myself starting a project and then I think of something else that needs to be done . . . and something else . . . and oh, yeah, that other thing . . .  and I run around in circles, surrounded by half-completed projects.

Maybe I need to stop trying to do everything and figure out the something I'm supposed to do. Like someone once said, maybe I should realize I'm not in charge of everyone and everything and resign as general manager of the universe.

It's okay to say no. It's okay to say I can't. It's even okay to say I won't--so long as you say it nicely. If you realize what you can do--and don't try to do more than that--you'll have more success and less frustration. 

Sounds like a worthwhile goal to me.

In Your Words: Are you doing everything or something? If you're caught up in an "everything" mindset, what can you say no to so that you can give the needed time and attention to the something you're overlooking?

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8 Comments:

At 7:31 AM, Blogger Katie Ganshert said...

"Maybe I need to stop trying to do everything and figure out the something I'm supposed to do." Such wise words, Beth!

 
At 8:11 AM, Blogger Wendy Paine Miller said...

Been praying a lot about this lately. I'm okay to say no when I need to. But sometimes it gets confusing when I need to. ;)
~ Wendy

 
At 9:14 AM, Blogger Lisa Jordan said...

I learned to say no to certain things in my life, but since my book sold, other things have crept in that go along with marketing and promotion.

There are things in my life that demand my attention and I can't say no to, but I don't feel I'm being productive in those areas. Lately I've felt like a hamster running on a wheel and getting nowhere.

 
At 9:31 AM, Blogger Jeanne Takenaka said...

Hmmm, good thoughts, Beth! My hubby helps me to not try to do everything. I talk things over with him before committing to anything. This has helped me. I, too, sometimes have a difficult time knowing what things to say "no" to. I'm not keeping up with much of anything right now, so I think I need to revisit this question, too.

 
At 10:10 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I'm saying no to something this week, Beth! That is, assuming I can coerce someone else into taking over for me. But yeah, a person seriously does have to decide what takes priority and then what things threaten to invade those priorities...what things to hang on to and what to let go of.

Resign as general manager of the universe...hilarious! :)

 
At 11:45 AM, Blogger Beth K. Vogt said...

This quote seems to have a lot of us pondering . . . I know I posted it not because I have it all figured out but because I am constantly confronted by the everything versus something dilemma.
I think it takes prayer, insight from others, and the bravery to say no--all things each of you have mentioned.

 
At 10:59 PM, Blogger Sarah Forgrave said...

"General manager of the universe" - Isn't that the job description of most women? :)

Oh boy, you've hit home here. When I start my day, I ask God to show me what to do in each moment and then give me the fortitude to follow through. It takes away the overwhelming-ness of all my tasks and focuses on what I can do right now.

 
At 1:15 AM, Blogger Beth K. Vogt said...

Such a good way to start. I've begun to start my day by saying, "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."

 

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