Prioritizing Without Superpowers

 "Focus on doing what you enjoy," was the advice I received for this vacation. This sentiment resonated with me, as that’s precisely what vacations are meant for, right? However, as the departure date approached, anxiety began to set in. After all, there are so many activities that give me pleasure... The real challenge was knowing where to begin.

I considered the time available and began planning a variety of activities. I’ve always tended to quantify and organize - sometimes to an obsessive degree. I'm the type of person who, when getting the Covid vaccine, counts the seconds when the needle stings my arm, preparing for the next time, even though the pain is hardly quantifiable.

On the other hand, I often find myself in a frenzy, striving to complete tasks as quickly as possible, driven by the persistent feeling that there will never be enough time. You know the White Rabbit from “Alice in Wonderland”? For most of the year, that’s me…

Planning was no longer a challenge to me, as it had become a persistent habit. Yet, I soon realized that meticulous planning only amplified my stress and anxiety - the very burdens I was eager to escape.

I took a moment to pause and clear my thoughts. Then, an exquisite idea struck me: wouldn’t it be amazing to teleport? I could arrive at my destinations in a flash, avoiding traffic lights, crosswalks, and roundabouts. Being invisible would come in handy too, allowing me to skip to the front of any queue unnoticed (and without having to pay)! Moreover, how wonderful it would be if the tasks I dread the most - like cooking, ironing, cleaning, or paying bills - could magically take care of themselves. All this would grant me more precious time to relish the activities I truly enjoy!

Ultimately, I concluded that becoming a superhero wasn’t a prerequisite for enjoying my time off. While I must admit, it would be an unforgettable experience! My favourite superhero, without a doubt, is Tony Stark. He appears to excel at everything: possessing above-average intelligence, a successful career, captivating looks, and immense wealth... and he even sacrificed himself to save the world! Plus, he crafted that incredible suit that transforms him into Iron Man, enabling him to perform extraordinary and unique feats. I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy!

However, with my feet firmly planted on the ground, I discovered a more human and realistic approach. The method is remarkably straightforward, and anyone can apply it to their own lives: it involves distinguishing between what is necessary and what is important.

When it came to planning my vacation, I categorized the necessary activities as those that would offer me rest and enrichment. The important tasks included unavoidable responsibilities, like paying bills or cooking, but I realized they could wait until after tackling the necessities.

Ultimately, I just needed to prioritize my activities. I placed emphasis on the necessary ones, as they had a direct impact on my psychological well-being; when the mind is at peace, everything else follows. As for the important tasks, I fit them in during breaks, ensuring they still got done because my material survival hinged on them. And so, I found that I didn’t need to possess superhuman abilities to savour my well-deserved rest.