There are times when getting from point A to point B in an expeditious manner is very important. My wife's water just broke and the contractions are minutes apart or my kid fell through a window and I are rushing him to the hospital. Sometimes it isn't quite as important. Like when I am hurrying to the movie theater to not miss the previews, or rushing to the grocery store because... they might sell out the last couple cans of baked beans.
It is very rare that I NEED to shorten my travel time by a meaningful amount, but I do. I often find myself in some level of hurry to get where I am going. To not be late, even if there is no deadline for my trip. To some extent I find myself at a higher level of stress, taking events on the road much more seriously than I need to be. Getting mad at the guy who won't change lanes and is only going a couple miles an hour over the speed limit.
However, the frustration and stress is not completely unjustified. The focus is just deceptively placed. The issue is not when I arrive. The issue is that I am frustrated at myself for putting myself in the situation where I feel rushed. For laying in bed for ten more minutes. For browsing those last 20 memes on imgur. For not prioritizing what is now important over something a little less important earlier.
Feeling rushed is a matter of priorities. I can choose the pain now of putting down what I'm doing and leaving, or the pain later of feeling rushed and stressed over my imminent lateness.
The tragedy is that I actually like driving, and when I'm not rushed it can be quite relaxing and pleasant. So don't do what I do. Get up and out with time to spare and enjoy the ride.
No comments:
Post a Comment