3 Lessons I’m Too Scared to Learn (You Might Be Too)

By Dr John Nyamunda – The Big Picture: Never-Ending To-Dos – Ever feel like there’s never time to do what you love? Always stuck in a never-ending cycle of “ought to” and “have to”? Work, kids, and studies—it’s easy to get caught up in frantic activities. We forget to “Be still, and know He is God” (Psalm 46:10a). Today, I’ll share 3 lessons I’m too scared to learn. You might be too.

Why Should You Care?

Life’s overflowing with must-dos and should-dos but is short on can’t-wait-to-dos. You keep postponing happiness to some distant future—when the kids are grown, when the loan’s paid off, when you finally land that dream job. We are often that rich fool who wanted to “tear down [his] barns and build bigger ones [to] store his surplus” (Luke 12:18-20). We both know how elusive the future is, but do we focus on living the moment?

A Personal Confession

I’m a poster boy for personal development! With more than 20 years at it, it’s safe to say that I’ve read all the books from the greats or listened to their talks. When John Maxwell came to SA, his core message was, “If something is important to you, do it every day, even on your birthday or Christmas.” The man has results to show for it, with over 120 books published. Trying to emulate him with a daily to-do list is exhausting. Don’t we need time to simply relax and enjoy life?

Lessons I’m Too Scared to Learn

1. Worrying About the Future Is Pointless.
   I constantly worry that good times will end and I’ll retire into poverty. If you’re like me, you forget the wisdom of St. Augustine who reminds us to, “Trust the past to the mercy of God, the present to His love, and the future to His providence.”
2. It’s OK to Have a Day with No To-Dos.
   I feel guilty when there is nothing on my to-do list, even on Sunday. I forget the words of Pope St. John Paul II who said, “It is necessary to slow down, to be still, and to recover a contemplative rhythm so that moments of silence can become moments of encounter.”
3. There Is No Harm in Being Below Average and Doing Nothing About It.
   We are drilled to believe we are lame if we are okay with being mediocre. The truth is, that world-class performers spend years perfecting their skills. You and I are juggling many things. It’s okay to celebrate just being on top of your inbox or a week of leaving your teenager at school without fighting.

Bottom Line

Life is lived one day at a time. Are you driving yourself crazy trying to be outstanding while preparing for an unknown future? Take a step back, and remember today is a gift. Treasure it. Thank God for it.