Stop Spending Time on Things that Don’t Matter: Strengthen Your Awareness Muscle

Life can throw us a lot of curve balls and when we get to midlife, we don’t have the time to spend thinking about things that really don’t matter. But, it’s all too easy for lots of stuff to clutter our minds and keep us from concentrating on what’s truly important.

We want to make the most of midlife (and the rest of our life) so that means investing our time in activities that align with our desires and values. 

Yes, a lot of our time is spent doing things we HAVE to do, but the rest of the time? It’s OUR time now!

When we are able to catch ourselves spending time/energy on things that don’t matter, we can refocus our attention on something that does matter. Some of the things that we can get caught up in might be:

• Agonizing over something that happened at work.
• Dwelling on something someone said to you in a text or email.
• Ruminating about an argument you had with your partner (about something that was basically insignificant).
• Getting sucked in by some drama on social media.

This can all be done on “autopilot.” We might not even notice ourselves thinking these thoughts. So how do we stop? 

Awareness is key!

In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of awareness and look at three powerful techniques to strengthen your “awareness muscle,” enabling you to let go of trivial things and embrace a more purposeful life – one that YOU actually WANT!

3 ways to strengthen your “awareness muscle” so you don’t spend time on things that don’t matter

1. The Power of Meditation

Meditation is a profound practice that allows us to cultivate awareness and enhance our ability to live in the present moment. By dedicating even a few minutes each day to meditation, we can quiet the noise of our minds and become more attuned to our thoughts and emotions. 

Through meditation, we learn to observe our thoughts without judgment, creating a space of self-awareness and acceptance.

In meditation, we focus our attention on a specific object or anchor, such as the breath, a mantra, or the sensations in our body. As thoughts arise, we gently acknowledge them and return our attention to the chosen anchor.

This process trains our awareness, teaching us to let go of distractions and refocus on the present moment. 

With consistent practice, meditation becomes a tool for detaching from unnecessary worries, stresses, and anxieties, enabling us to regain focus on what truly matters. It provides a mental reset, allowing us to approach life with greater clarity and intentionality.

There are a ton of different meditation options. Read this post for more about the various kinds of meditation.

2. Slowing Down for Increased Awareness

In our fast-paced world, slowing down may seem counterintuitive, but it is an essential step towards strengthening our awareness muscle. When we rush through life, constantly multitasking and trying to keep up with endless to-do lists, we miss out on the richness of each experience. 

By deliberately slowing down our pace, we create space for reflection and contemplation. We become more attuned to the present moment and develop a heightened sense of awareness.

Slowing down can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to pause and breathe deeply. It can also involve intentionally scheduling periods of rest and relaxation into our busy lives. 

Engaging in activities like walking in nature, savoring a meal, or simply taking deep breaths can help us slow down and fully embrace all of the GOOD in our lives and all around us. By consciously savoring the present moment, we allow ourselves to get out of autopilot mode and reconnect with our inner selves.

3. Embracing Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can be practiced in various forms, both formal and informal. At its core, mindfulness involves intentionally paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It is about being fully present in each experience, whether mundane or extraordinary. 

By cultivating mindfulness, we can bring our awareness to the here and now, enabling us to stop ourselves from ruminating about that irritating work situation, seemingly offensive text message, or minor argument with our partner – and focus on what truly matters.

Mindfulness can be cultivated through activities like mindful eating, mindful listening, or even engaging in creative endeavors. For example, when eating mindfully, we savor each bite, noticing the flavors, textures, and sensations that arise. We let go of distractions like phones or TV, allowing ourselves to fully enjoy and appreciate the nourishment the food provides. 

Similarly, when practicing mindful listening, we give our undivided attention to the person speaking, setting aside our own thoughts and judgments. By immersing ourselves fully in the present, we detach from unnecessary distractions and gain a fresh perspective on what truly matters.

Now is the time to build that awareness muscle

In the pursuit of a fulfilling midlife and beyond, it is crucial to stop spending time and energy on things that don’t matter.

Strengthening our awareness muscle allows us to navigate through life with purpose and intentionality. 

By practicing meditation, slowing down, and embracing mindfulness, we can enhance our ability to focus on what truly matters. No one wants to get to the end of life with regrets.

These techniques provide us with the tools to break free from the clutches of unnecessary thoughts and distractions, reclaiming our time and energy for the things that bring us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.

Remember, awareness is the key to everything. By honing our awareness muscles, we empower ourselves to live a life aligned with our values, giving us back our time and energy that we would otherwise spend on things that don’t matter.  

So let us embark on this journey of self-discovery, harnessing the power of awareness to create a midlife filled with meaning and pursuit of our true passions.

As you embark on this path, remember that strengthening your awareness muscle is an ongoing process. These things are not hard! In fact, they are pretty simple, but they do require consistent effort and practice. Be patient with yourself and embrace each moment as an opportunity to deepen your awareness. 

As you develop this skill, you will find yourself becoming more present, more attuned to your thoughts and emotions, and more capable of consciously choosing how you spend your time and energy.

So, let us make a conscious decision today to stop spending time on things that don’t matter. Let us invest our time and energy in pursuits that bring us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. 

By cultivating awareness, we can live more authentically, consciously, and purposefully in midlife and beyond. It’s time to take control of our lives, embrace the present moment, and focus on what truly matters.

~Lisa

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