Might Doing Prevent Me from Becoming?

Lately, a lot of my writing has centered on doing … mostly doing too much.

Whenever blogs circle back to the same concept, there’s an undeniable message. Thankfully, writing helps me process these lessons.

This reoccurring theme made me wonder—might constant “doing” be an unconscious excuse to stay in my comfort zone? Am I self-sabotaging with endless activities because I’d rather play it safe and immerser myself in the known than take a risk and trust in what’s unfamiliar?

Jam-packing each day with activities and obligations keeps me centered on my immediate world. With little downtime from one event to another, my mind’s laser focused on “what’s next.” Yet, this prevents me from questioning my “big picture.” Instead of asking if I’m on track to who I want to become, I continue to add one more yoga class, sign up for another round of golf, or take the dog for an extra walk. Staying busy feels safe. I know the rules and understand the game. Plus, when I’m fully immersed in my schedule, there’s no time to wonder if I’m doing it right.

But here’s the undeniable truth … too much doing keeps us from becoming. Unwillingness to pause and create space for the unknown traps us in our current reality, oblivious to exciting possibilities that lie around the corner.

“You don’t improve your life by doing more. You improve your life

by doing less of what doesn’t matter.”—Cory Allen

For me to step into my next chapter—whatever that may be—I must slow down and do less. Only then will I be able to hear the whispers directing me to say “yes” … to those unexpected opportunities, new challenges, and unanticipated encounters.

As strange as this empty space may feel, it’s necessary for growth and evolution. More of the same won’t teach me the lessons I’m here to learn. It only lets me practice the things I’m already comfortable with. Still, embracing the unknown requires us to dig deep within to find our courage and faith.

Can I surrender the need to constantly do, trusting it will all work out if I just let go?

It's not necessary to stop doing what we love or take extraordinary risks to grow. But when we examine how we spend our time, as well as who we spend it with, we can decide if our current situation mirrors what we truly desire. Are we acting with intent or out of default? Where can we slow down? What can we surrender? How can we fully exhale before rushing toward the next activity?

Letting go of mindless doing is a signal to the Universe that we’re ready for what’s next.

While I have no idea what’s ahead for me, I believe something’s out there that wants my attention. Understanding this is the first step. The next is to release what keeps me stuck and prevents me from stepping into my potential.

As challenging as letting go can be, the waiting for our “what’s next” can be even more trying. Sometimes we think we’re ready, but there’s more to release before we can fully embrace the beautiful possibilities ahead.

I suppose that’s when we’re called to have faith … in God … in the unknown … and in ourselves. But first we’ve got to slow down to create space for who we are meant to become.

Trust, let go, believe … the best is yet to come. Of that I am certain.