You Don't Have to Do It Today, or Any Day
The only thing worse than getting out of bed, is getting out of bed on a day when you have a to-do list staring you in the face. The longer the list, the worse the day is going to be.
90% of that stuff will be the same stuff you did yesterday. And you will probably do it again tomorrow, because people just won't quit eating, wearing clothes, or thinking you ought to be at your desk if you want a paycheck.
You can make your morning better by filling up on super-unleaded caffeine, taking a hot shower, and maybe doing a little yoga before you go into instant repeat mode.
Or, you could hit that snooze button a couple of times and read on...because no matter what is on that to-do list, there are absolutely 10 things you do NOT have to do today (or any day).
You can make your morning better by filling up on super-unleaded caffeine, taking a hot shower, and maybe doing a little yoga before you go into instant repeat mode.
Or, you could hit that snooze button a couple of times and read on...because no matter what is on that to-do list, there are absolutely 10 things you do NOT have to do today (or any day).
Not Today!
Let's all be thankful we don't have to do any of these things. They waste so much time we could be spending having fun, making money, living life, and enjoying the people we love.
Please note, this all in good humor. Just a little reminder to all of us that we shouldn't waste our precious time doing stuff that isn't fun or beneficial or necessary.
Please note, this all in good humor. Just a little reminder to all of us that we shouldn't waste our precious time doing stuff that isn't fun or beneficial or necessary.
1. You Don't Have to Like "It"
Whatever "it" is, there is no law that says you have to love it just because other people do.
You don't have to like mornings, your toaster, people who say hello before you've had your coffee, work, socializing, cooking...
Cross it off of your to-do list. You enough to do without pretending you enjoy things you don't.
You don't have to like mornings, your toaster, people who say hello before you've had your coffee, work, socializing, cooking...
Cross it off of your to-do list. You enough to do without pretending you enjoy things you don't.
2. You Don't Have to Be a Jerk
It's true. This is not on your to-do list.
In fact, there are probably very few people in the whole world of peoples who actually have to get up and go be a jerk on purpose today.
Even though there are tons of people who treat it like it's a real job, the paycheck is awful and the benefits are non-existent. It's much nicer to spend that time doing something fun or productive.
So, no need to troll, critique, humiliate, or harass a single person today.
In fact, there are probably very few people in the whole world of peoples who actually have to get up and go be a jerk on purpose today.
Even though there are tons of people who treat it like it's a real job, the paycheck is awful and the benefits are non-existent. It's much nicer to spend that time doing something fun or productive.
So, no need to troll, critique, humiliate, or harass a single person today.
3. You Don't Have to Eat the Kale
You don't. I mean can, if you really like it. But if you don't like it, then you don't have to eat it. You don't even have to pretend you like it (see #1).
I know it feels like everything we put in our mouths these days is being monitored by the online food police.
But you kinda don't have to mention what you do or do not consume, and then no one can bust you for the cheese puffs and Dr. Pepper hiding just off camera, right?
You have way more important things to do than worry about what other people think of your food.
I know it feels like everything we put in our mouths these days is being monitored by the online food police.
But you kinda don't have to mention what you do or do not consume, and then no one can bust you for the cheese puffs and Dr. Pepper hiding just off camera, right?
You have way more important things to do than worry about what other people think of your food.
4. You Don't Have to Mind Other People's Business
I get it. The world is full of stupid or incorrect people, and every now and then we've all felt like we really should tell them so.
But the truth is, monitoring everyone else in the world is just using up your precious time and energy.
Chronic stupidity has been around since the dawn of civilization, and I doubt a vaccine will be available anytime soon.
You can't fix it with a comment, a lecture, a rant or physical contact, and you can't dedicate your whole life to making other people live their life like you think they should.
The only payment you receive here is brief satisfaction when your target gets mad, sad, offended, or punished in some way, and that's not a great return on your investment.
But the truth is, monitoring everyone else in the world is just using up your precious time and energy.
Chronic stupidity has been around since the dawn of civilization, and I doubt a vaccine will be available anytime soon.
You can't fix it with a comment, a lecture, a rant or physical contact, and you can't dedicate your whole life to making other people live their life like you think they should.
The only payment you receive here is brief satisfaction when your target gets mad, sad, offended, or punished in some way, and that's not a great return on your investment.
5. You Don't Have to Read the News Today
We all like "staying in the know". But sometimes we are bombarded with soooo much news that it becomes overwhelming. And when you hit that first thing in the morning, it can affect your whole mood for the day.
And you can't be the best and most productive you if you are worrying about every single thing you saw, read, or heard.
Unless your job depends on you staying up-to-date constantly throughout the day, then you can absolutely tune out for 24 hours and the world won't end.
Your brain will feel refreshed, and trust me. If something epic happens, someone will call or text to ask if you've heard. So no worries about missing out on a huge deal.
And you can't be the best and most productive you if you are worrying about every single thing you saw, read, or heard.
Unless your job depends on you staying up-to-date constantly throughout the day, then you can absolutely tune out for 24 hours and the world won't end.
Your brain will feel refreshed, and trust me. If something epic happens, someone will call or text to ask if you've heard. So no worries about missing out on a huge deal.
6. You Don't Have to Believe Everything You Hear
If you ignore #5, then just remember this one. You don't have to believe or worry about everything you hear, see, or read during a day.
You know how sometimes you buy a big package at the store, and you feel all excited because it seems FULL? Then you open it and find out that it is 80% air or foam beads.
That's your head when you start obsessing over everything. Your good solid thoughts are floating around in a bunch of junk filler. But you FEEL more knowledgeable.
If something seems important, then dedicate a little time to proper research. But for the most part, just shrug off the off-the-wall predictions, your Uncle Morton's opinions, the neighborhood gossip, and those memes that say you will die by killer bees if you don't re-share a thousand times.
You know how sometimes you buy a big package at the store, and you feel all excited because it seems FULL? Then you open it and find out that it is 80% air or foam beads.
That's your head when you start obsessing over everything. Your good solid thoughts are floating around in a bunch of junk filler. But you FEEL more knowledgeable.
If something seems important, then dedicate a little time to proper research. But for the most part, just shrug off the off-the-wall predictions, your Uncle Morton's opinions, the neighborhood gossip, and those memes that say you will die by killer bees if you don't re-share a thousand times.
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7. You Don't Have to Finish the Book
I'm a dedicated book finisher, so I know how hard it is to admit that a book is too bad to read to the last page.
But sometimes, you just have to let that go.
There's no sense being miserable just because someone else said it was a great read. You should be reading something else that is spectacularly cool. You deserve to read a book that isn't making you miserable.
But sometimes, you just have to let that go.
There's no sense being miserable just because someone else said it was a great read. You should be reading something else that is spectacularly cool. You deserve to read a book that isn't making you miserable.
8. You Don't Have to Say Yes if You Really Mean No (Or Maybe)
Is there anything worse than getting hit up with a request for something you really don't want to do? Especially when you feel obligated to accept?
That awkward smiley thing you have to do, that moment of desperation when you try to think of any reason to excuse yourself...
Why do we always feel the need to say yes when people put us on the spot? Why is it so hard to just say no, instead of flipping through our calendars hoping we have an appointment for dental surgery or something to give us a great excuse?
There is always a time to say yes. And there is always a time to say no.
That awkward smiley thing you have to do, that moment of desperation when you try to think of any reason to excuse yourself...
Why do we always feel the need to say yes when people put us on the spot? Why is it so hard to just say no, instead of flipping through our calendars hoping we have an appointment for dental surgery or something to give us a great excuse?
There is always a time to say yes. And there is always a time to say no.
9. You Don't Have to Get It ALL Done Today
It is definitely okay to try to get as many things done as possible. But if it's NOT possible, then there's no reason to beat yourself up about it.
Most things we plan for a day don't stay done anyhow. Some tasks have to be repeated day in and day out. Some have to be updated every few weeks or so.
Even if you get everything on that list done at once, you will think of twenty more things you could have done as well. Instead of stressing about perfection, prioritize what needs to be done.
Basically, focus on what keeps people alive first. Then worry about deadlines and stuff like that. Everything else can sift to the bottom of the list.
Most things we plan for a day don't stay done anyhow. Some tasks have to be repeated day in and day out. Some have to be updated every few weeks or so.
Even if you get everything on that list done at once, you will think of twenty more things you could have done as well. Instead of stressing about perfection, prioritize what needs to be done.
Basically, focus on what keeps people alive first. Then worry about deadlines and stuff like that. Everything else can sift to the bottom of the list.
Free Printable.
10. You Don't Have to Wear Underwear
Underwear is an antiquated garment that is part of a conspiracy by mega corporations to steal more of our pocket money. We need it about as badly as we need corsets.
Underwear has actually been proven to be dangerous according to many studies. It's linked to all sorts of scary stuff like allergies, impotence, scarlet fever, and skin indentations.
And if you believe that...
You need to go back and read #4.
But seriously, don't sweat the small stuff, ya know?
Underwear has actually been proven to be dangerous according to many studies. It's linked to all sorts of scary stuff like allergies, impotence, scarlet fever, and skin indentations.
And if you believe that...
You need to go back and read #4.
But seriously, don't sweat the small stuff, ya know?
And You Don't Have to Be Anyone But You
You are the best at being you. And just like no one else can be truly you, you can't 100% be anyone else either. So don't let anyone pressure you into thinking you aren't good enough as-is.
So get out there and use all your time to make the world more amazing because you are in it.
So get out there and use all your time to make the world more amazing because you are in it.
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