what do you want less of?

On the face of it, it seems like an easy question to answer. Five less pesos, maybe, or one less zero in the credit card statement. But go just under the surface of this simple query, and the answer is likely to be one that involves finding more time for something. Maybe it’s more time with children, or more time to work on a project like getting things ready for the hotel pre opening, writing more articles, or learning how to paint. Or perhaps it’s more time to travel, or spend on friendship. In short, more time to do the things that we value, and let us express ourselves in a unique way.

The busy pace of our lives often means that reflecting on this question seems like a luxury in itself. After all, when we feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done anyway, how could we possibly want more of anything? But just as a car requires a periodic tune-up, our calendars need regular maintenance as well. The arrival of the summer season is a natural time to take a look at what we want more of, as the lengthening days start to whisper of spending time outside in the sunshine.

Turning the question around—what do you want less of?—is a good way to gain insight into what to clear out of your life in order to find room for what you do want. Take a quiet moment to think about your volunteer commitments, your friendships, and the appointments that fill your calendar. Think also about the household chores and all the other daily things that you are responsible for. Last, consider how much time you spend surfing the web or watching television. Remember that none of these activities are bad; this exercise is only about seeing how you might want to redistribute your time in order to spend it in a more fulfilling way.

What activities and chores could you gracefully delegate, or let go of? Are there any friendships or groups that you have outgrown? As in all things, trust your intuition. Begin to let go of what you no longer need. Imagine replacing those things with an image of doing something you love, or with someone you love.

Time spent on what we value is time that enriches our lives. Whether you want to spend more time with people you love or work on a project that has meaning for you, making time for those things ultimately means feeling happier at the end of the day. And that feeling is one we all would like more of.