We spend a lot of time talking about how to squeeze every drop out of each day.  That includes ways to stay driven and avoid distractions.  Although all of this is important, we also need to focus on keeping things light where possible.  We have too much that is unquestionably serious to not take advantage when things can be casual.

Keeping Things Light Requires Perspective

The hardest part of keeping things light is avoiding the crushing weight of our goals and responsibilities.  Let’s face it, we pile a lot on our backs and then feel bad when we struggle under the load.  The simple answer is to stop putting so much pressure on ourselves.  However, that is not very realistic.  Instead, focus on the positives more than negatives.  Do not dwell so much on what is still to be done without mixing in what has been accomplished.  You still need to look forward but use a look back on how far you have journeyed to buoy your confidence in future success.

This perspective is why athletes that are in a championship match for the second or third time are often calm and collected.  They have been there before.  It is not new to them.  In the same way, look at where you have been to build a positive view of what is ahead.

 

Time Heals

The saying that time heals all wounds is a vital part of keeping things light.  We can spend a little time to put distance between us and losses that will reduce the sting.  We have to process our mistakes, but dwelling on them is not the solution.  Instead, look for ways to avoid repeating those mistakes.  I do not think many entrepreneurs dwell on the past; it is not in their nature.  However, sometimes we need to be reminded of what has worked for us in the past.

Rob Broadhead

Rob is a founder of, and frequent contributor to, Develpreneur. This includes the Building Better Developers podcast. He is also a lifetime learner as a developer, designer, and manager of software solutions. Rob is the founder of RB Consulting and has managed to author a book about his family experiences and a few about becoming a better developer. In his free time, he stays busy raising five children (although they have grown into adults). When he has a chance to breathe, he is on the ice playing hockey to relax or working on his ballroom dance skills.

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