Bad Moments, Not Bad Days
I recently wrote about how structure is so crucial to my life. Without it, I lose productivity, meaning, and sanity. I mentioned that I even create structure around "the habits that connect to particular actions." I'm about to share a story about this, and I promise the payoff will be worth it.
I have a specific habit sequence when I drive my 350Z:
I always walk out of the house with my work bag.
I set my bag on the ground on the driver's side of the car.
I start the car and push the button to lower the convertible top.
I reach down, pick up my bag, and swing it over to the passenger seat.
I shut my door and back out of the driveway.
It's clockwork to the degree that it takes zero mental energy to execute. My mind is often already preoccupied with the day ahead. Yesterday, though, my habit sequence was broken.....and I paid the price. Since the ground was wet, I set my bag in a different spot. Also, frustratingly, my convertible top wouldn't open. Since it didn't open, I didn't have the mental trigger to reach down for my bag to swing it across. I put the car in reverse and started backing out. However, after just a few feet, I hit a bump.
I knew it immediately; I ran into my bag. Crunch! In an instant, I knew I was about to suffer some brutal consequences. I swiftly pulled my laptop out of my bag and opened the lid: I was met with a multi-color screen full of cracks. It was ruined! The same for my second monitor: ruined.
Long story short, the only thing I damaged on my computer is the screen, which will cost me $100 out of pocket due to AppleCare insurance. But I burned a morning trying to navigate the situation. It was as big a mess as I could have imagined......and one I didn't need.
The thing I always think about is the difference between a bad day and a bad moment. It's so easy to let a bad moment spiral into a bad day (or days). In the past, I probably would have allowed this mess to spiral me for a week. Now, however, I have so many things on my plate and people relying on me. I can't afford to have a bad day. Instead, I choose to have a bad moment. I largely rallied and was able to take care of business for the remainder of the day.
One contributing factor to bad moments vs. bad days is the amount of meaning we carry in our lives. If I'm in a season where I don't feel meaning in my work, relationships, or other endeavors, even a harmless, annoying/inconvenient moment can spiral into a bad day. Today, however, I feel tremendous meaning in my life. Therefore, when the bad moments strike, I'm more easily able to let the moment be a moment, then find a way to navigate into a good day with abad moment.
I don't feel convicted about this today. Rather, I'd love to hear your thoughts. How do you respond to this story and message? I'd love to hear your input! Jokes at my expense are permitted.
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