avatarAnthony V. Lombardo

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on the meaningful 2% of life's activities rather than the overwhelming 98% that don't truly matter.

Abstract

The author of the article shares a personal experience of feeling overwhelmed by an endless list of tasks and goals. This feeling is common among those with a hustle mindset, often leading to anxiety and a sense of constantly racing against time. The article suggests that most people spend the majority of their time on trivial matters, referencing Neale Donald Walsch's assertion that 98% of our activities are inconsequential. By acknowledging that our to-do lists will never be fully completed and that many tasks are distractions from real living, the author encourages readers to shift their focus to what truly matters. This includes cherishing moments of connection, joy, learning, and gratitude. The article concludes by inviting readers to consider what they would do if they had nothing to prove and to remember that it's the small, meaningful experiences that define a life well-lived.

Opinions

  • The author believes that constantly striving to complete an ever-growing to-do list is a fruitless endeavor that can lead to stress and a sense of failure.
  • There is an opinion that the majority of daily activities are not significant in the grand scheme of life and do not contribute to genuine happiness or fulfillment.
  • The article suggests that the pressure to always be productive can be a form of escapism from confronting one's own thoughts and feelings.
  • It is implied that at the end of life, material success and societal achievements will be less important than the memories of joyful and authentic experiences.
  • The author posits that consciously creating one's reality and practicing meditation can lead to a more fulfilling life, as suggested in the offered bi-weekly newsletter.
  • The article promotes the idea that living in the present and appreciating the journey, rather than fixating on the destination, is key to finding contentment and freedom.

98% Of Your Life Is Spent on Things That Don’t Matter

Here is the 2% of what actually does!

Photo by the author

For the past few weeks, I have been feeling anxious and overwhelmed by all the projects I want to complete and the goals I want to accomplish.

It’s been the classic case of too much to do and not enough time to do it in.

At the start of this week, while looking at the giant list of all the things I wanted to get done, I had a minor epiphany:

My work isn’t going anywhere. There will always be tons to do and new stuff I want to do.

And therein lies the problem with constantly living with a hustle mindset: at times, it feels like you’re one step away from a meltdown.

Fighting against the illusion of a ticking clock is a losing battle.

Then I was reminded of the opening line to the book “The Only Thing That Matters” by Neale Donald Walsch, which I came across the night before:

“98% of the world’s people are spending 98% of their time on things that don’t matter.”

So I decided to break this down:

  1. If our to-do list will never ever fully get completed and most likely compound in size. And…
  2. Most of the things we spend our time on don’t matter…

I suddenly realized that life will always give us a series of things to do, problems to solve, goals to chase, and distractions.

However, doesn’t that bring a profound sense of contentment and freedom? Doesn’t that leave us to focus on real living?

Consider the following:

  • What if the way you are right now is as good as you will ever be? If so, how would you spend your time?
  • What if the need for constant doing is just a way to avoid being within yourself?
  • What if you had nothing to prove to yourself or anyone?

Fast-forward to the end of your life, and you are about to take your last couple of breaths. What will you remember about your life?

Would it be all the “things” and “stuff”?

  • Bank statements?
  • Mantles on the wall?
  • Number of businesses you launched?
  • Acronyms next to your name?
  • Your waistline?

Or will it be the 2% of things that actually do matter as inferred in Neale’s quote?

Will it be the tiny moments of real living that take place in between all the dog and pony shows that occur in life, such as:

  • Connecting with others.
  • Doing things you enjoy.
  • Learning and creating just for the sake of it.
  • The laugh you share with a friend.
  • Playing with your kids.
  • Singing and dancing along to a song you love.
  • That random spark of gratitude for just being alive

These tiny moments within the journey are what matters and what you’ll cherish. So, start focusing on the 2% of real living.

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