Dear Landlord,
I hope you find this information useful.
I am acutely aware of the fear of wasting time and money, and how this fear has constrained my ability to own many things. For instance, I once hesitated to discard a bag of dried vermicelli with worms in it. Instead, I selected the parts without worms, repacked them in a bag, and sealed it. This process was particularly laborious and consumed a significant amount of my time. Ultimately, I did not consume the selected vermicelli, as I was reluctant to discard it, considering it a waste of the money I had spent on buying the vermicelli in the first place. However, upon reflection, I recognize that this decision actually resulted in further waste of my energy and time. I could have utilized that time to create more value and engage in more meaningful pursuits.
I subsequently discovered that this is a way of thinking that I have adopted, and that its formation is related to my upbringing. I have absorbed and internalized many of my grandmother's behaviors and ways of thinking, and continue to use these patterns of behavior because I am unaware of any superior methods for improving the ease and comfort of my life while also increasing efficiency and meaning.
Subsequently, I became acquainted with a life management method known as "断舍离" (Duan She Li) and a type of management referred to as "energy management."
It is important to understand the concept of "let go and let go," identify your essential needs, and learn to make informed decisions.
As an example, I previously engaged in shopping on Singles' Day or during sales to avoid wasting money and save money. However, I subsequently recognized that purchasing excessive quantities of fruit would result in wastage, and the savings would be minimal. Similarly, purchasing an excess of clothing would necessitate significant effort to organize when the seasons changed, which would be a poor use of time. Furthermore, purchasing an excess of skincare products that I would not use in time would result in expiration and wastage. Consequently, I was unable to achieve my objective of avoiding waste.
I subsequently recognized that the key to avoiding unnecessary expenditure is to adhere to a single principle: "Only purchase what is essential." When there is an abundance of fruit in my household, regardless of its price or the merchant's promotional efforts, I refrain from making a purchase, as it is not a necessity. Similarly, I do not engage in excessive spending on Singles' Day simply because of a sale.
This approach will not only streamline your life but also achieve the goal of avoiding unnecessary expenditure.
It is often beneficial to conduct a thorough inventory of your refrigerator, cabinets, and closets. This exercise can help identify items that may not be necessary or useful. It can also serve as a reminder to consume resources in a rational manner and to prioritize the importance of letting go of material possessions.
The key is to implement an effective energy management strategy.
It is important to recognise that time is a finite resource. If we utilise our time effectively to create value, we will gain more wealth. This is a fundamental law of business. The question therefore arises as to how we can create more value in a limited amount of time.
This necessitates the implementation of an effective energy management strategy.
Given the finite nature of our energy resources, it is unwise to expend them on matters that do not genuinely matter to us. Doing so represents a waste of both time and money. Similarly, when we are in a bad mood on a daily basis and thus unable to concentrate on the tasks at hand, we are not at our most productive. This also represents a waste of time and money.
Therefore, if we can effectively manage our energy and maintain a positive mental state on a daily basis, we can work more efficiently and enhance our overall well-being. The time we save by working efficiently is not for doing more work, but for doing more things we enjoy and that are meaningful to us, such as spending time with family and reading our favorite books.
How do you manage your energy?
1. Avoid internal conflict, focus on what you can control, and don't dwell on unchangeable circumstances.
Sometimes, fatigue results from an excess of concerns. Have you considered whether you can alter the issues that cause you distress?
If you can change it, then work hard to implement the necessary changes. There is no benefit in dwelling on the matter. If there is nothing you can do about it, there is no point in dwelling on it either; all you can do is accept it.
As stated in "A Change of Heart," there are three categories of matters in this world: one's own affairs, the affairs of others, and the affairs of a higher power. Individuals tend to experience distress when they fail to take control of their own affairs but instead concern themselves with the affairs of others and matters beyond their control.
It is important to recognize that other individuals' actions and perceptions are their own responsibility.
It is important to recognize that other individuals' actions and thoughts are their own responsibility.
An individual's current state of being is shaped by their personal growth journey, educational background, and living environment. They have established their own internal standards for evaluation. When we align with these standards, they view us positively; otherwise, they view us negatively.
We all evaluate others based on our own criteria. When others meet our standards, we like, support, and recognize them; when they don't, we dislike and reject them. Therefore, whether others' comments on you are positive or negative seems to be a reflection of you, but in fact it is a result of whether their comments align with your evaluation criteria.
We all evaluate others based on our own standards. When others meet our standards, we tend to like, support, and approve of them. Conversely, when they don't meet our standards, we tend to dislike and reject them. Therefore, whether others' comments on you are positive or negative seems to have something to do with you. However, in reality, it has more to do with whether your evaluation standards align with theirs.
It is therefore important to recognise that individuals have different needs and positions. Attempting to change others' minds or force oneself to change, or seeking others' understanding and approval in everything, is unproductive and unhelpful.
It is also important to understand that our own actions and thoughts are our own responsibility.
Given that we cannot control the actions and thoughts of others, and that the purpose of our lives is not to satisfy the needs and recognition of others, it is important to focus on our own needs, understand ourselves, identify our needs, and then take steps to address them.
When you prioritize self-care, foster self-love, and cultivate mental resilience, you will possess the capacity and energy to extend love and support to others.
Therefore, it is important to focus on your strengths, continuously develop your skills, expand your knowledge base, and pursue ongoing growth.
When we can distinguish between what is within our remit and what is not, we can accept what is unchangeable and change what is changeable.
When we accept others and recognize that we cannot change their actions and thoughts, we become less concerned about their behaviors. When we accept their patterns and become accustomed to their behaviors, we feel more at ease and relaxed, which reduces emotional strain.
2. Cultivate beneficial routines to mitigate the depletion of willpower.
It is understood that the expenditure of energy is a result of our active control. However, when an action becomes a habit, the need for control is negated, and therefore, excessive expenditure of willpower is avoided.
For example, we are accustomed to performing daily tasks such as brushing our teeth and washing our faces. These routines have become second nature and can be completed without exerting additional effort.
Similarly, you can also transform those tasks you need to complete into habits. Once these habits have been established, you will find that you can accomplish the necessary tasks with minimal effort.
I have incorporated reading into my daily routine, such as when I wash my face and brush my teeth. This allows me to complete my reading tasks in the morning when I am most alert. I have been reading consistently for 974 days, and I have not experienced fatigue from this practice because it has become a habit, similar to washing my face and brushing my teeth.
3. Replenish willpower in a timely manner.
While willpower is limited, it can be replenished over time through proper nutrition and rest. This entails consuming meals at designated times and maintaining a balanced diet, along with ensuring sufficient sleep.
Furthermore, willpower can be replenished during the workday by engaging in activities that are enjoyable. When faced with tasks that are particularly demanding or stressful, it is beneficial to intersperse these activities with ones that are more appealing.
When we engage in activities that align with our interests and preferences, we are effectively recharging our batteries and replenishing our willpower. For instance, I do not particularly enjoy housework, so I find it beneficial to listen to a book while I am engaged in this task. Listening to a book can provide me with a sense of strength and happiness. Consequently, I am able to complete the housework and the book, while also enhancing my awareness.
Additionally, you may utilize this method. When you are fatigued, engage in an activity you enjoy to enhance your mood, and then resume addressing the issues that cause you some stress. You will find this process more manageable.
Please refer to the above for further information.
Best regards,
Comments
I understand how you feel. It's really tough when the fear of wasting resources overshadows our decisions. Maybe we could start small, making a list of priorities to see what truly matters and deserves our investment, both in terms of money and time.
It sounds like you're really torn between wanting to make the most of your resources and being afraid to take action. Have you considered setting up a trial period for new activities or purchases? That way, you can test things out without fully committing.
Feeling stuck because of fear is totally understandable. Sometimes talking it out with someone who's been in similar situations can provide new insights. Are there any communities or groups that you could connect with for advice?
Your concerns are valid, but they don't have to hold you back forever. Perhaps breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable steps can help ease the pressure. Each small success can build confidence to tackle bigger challenges.
It's natural to want to avoid waste, but sometimes we need to allow ourselves room to experiment and even make mistakes. Those experiences can be valuable lessons that lead to better decisionmaking in the future.