"How folding laundry can extend your life..."
Feb 22, 2024During the last few years of my father’s life, my mother would give my dad a basket full of towels to fold. Despite his dementia, he was able to easily complete the task. I believe it soothed his mind that he could still get things done. He wasn’t permitted to drive, he didn’t have the desire to make jewelry anymore, and he often would forget me, his only son. Folding laundry he could do.
Dad reading my first book
Dad kissing momIn our research at “Most People Don’t”, we have gathered results from thousands of people and have asked the question: “What is preventing YOU from getting things done.”
- Not enough time
- Lack of prioritization
- No focus
- Insufficient SELF-ACCOUNTABILITY (discipline)
I share with our audiences, that WE have the ability to control each of these “doing distractors”.
- We can’t generate more time, but we can make better use of it.
- We can identify the tasks that are most important to us, and that serve the greatest benefit of “doing”.
- We can avoid distractions and allocate time, energy, and focus toward one thing at a time.
- We can remind ourselves daily to get things done.
This methodology of folding clothes is not unlike starting your day with the discipline to make your bed. You can control the outcome with 3 minutes of effort.
When we feel we have control, studies show it can reduce the risk of dying by 13% (a study published in Health Psychology, 2014). This applies to your professional world also. Find the right culture and fit so that your contributions are serving a purpose. So that your efforts mean something. So that your actions are appreciated. So that you are FINISHING SOMETHING.
Fold some towels, make your bed, drink some water, and do things to DELIBERATE YOUR DAY. Not everything can be controlled, but a few things can happen as you’ve intended based on your actions. A great feeling to contribute to purpose!
