So much I can write about for my second ever blog post! One of the aspects of being Tim Lyddy is managing all of the interests I have. Do I spend my time making new friends and serving the needs of people at church? Sit down and listen to the latest Avishai Cohen album? Fry my nerve endings by watching my beloved Manchester City or Parramatta Eels? Whip up a storm in the kitchen, exploring a new way to make tiramisu? Focus on fitness for an hour and jump outside for a jog? I could continue making this paragraph unnecessarily long detailing the options I have if I have to choose what to do with my free time.
The core factor that I often forget when it comes to choosing what to do next is time. A second can be life-changing. So much decision-making occurs in just one second, I forget sometimes to slow down and consider my options for a few extra seconds.
Taking a second-long break before immediately jumping into a new activity or task has saved my butt multiple times.
Let’s not forget about the second choice, too.
My first choice is one that usually is based on surface emotional reactions when I think about doing something. It’s raining. Do I go outside for a run now? Or, do I read that book that I’ve had on my shelf for the last 6 months? My first choice – go for a run. I’ll always choose the option that gives me an immediate thrill or sense of excitement when I think about doing the thing. But, my experience tells me that this can usually lead to a rather negative outcome (getting sick from running in the cold, maybe?).
The second choice follows the initial thrill upon thinking about my next action. If I stop to take a second to reconsider the options, I then take the time to weigh up the pros and cons. Yes, I love running – and it’s adrenaline pumping to do it in the rain – but I don’t want to get sick. I can do fitness another way. No, the book won’t be difficult to read, I just need to take my time with it. Plus, when it’s sunny, I’m going to want to go out for a jog, so now’s a good time as ever to read.
I tend to stop once I’ve considered the options twice. The second think-over is enough. You want to think-over, not overthink.
I find the value in a second. A second to think, and a second second to think-over.