Ever feel like you’re just treading water? We’ve all been there. Today, I discovered a new perspective that can help us all move beyond just staying afloat.
Each day, as I’m dodging squirrels and questionable dog-related smells on my hikes with Izzy (the Wonder Dog), I enjoy a daily chat with my dad, Chuck. Dad is one of my absolute favorite people—my rock. Together, we’ve shared more adventures than pirates hunting for buried treasure, and I always cherish our conversations.
Our chats typically start the same way, with dad humorously lamenting his inability to master his phone’s complexities—a predictable, yet always amusing, opening.
Today, however, he was chuckling at my hectic schedule. “From airplanes to clients, shuttling kids around, publishing content, writing books—man, you’re busier than a squirrel in a nuthouse!” he laughed. He always has a joke.
Then came the nugget of wisdom: “If you’re treading water, drain the tub!”
Wait, what?
“You’re the one who filled it, right? You’re the one who can empty it,” he explained. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
“It’s like going to 36,000 feet,” he added, referencing a recent reflection I’d shared. “Getting a different perspective is key. Recognize you’re the one who filled the tub—and you’re the one who can drain it if you feel overwhelmed.”
Wow… thanks, dad.
So, how do you drain your metaphorical tub? Here are three practical tips to help you stop just treading water and start thriving:
1. Identify the Leaks (and Plug Them)
Take an honest look at your overflowing “tub.” Which activities, commitments, or relationships are causing stress and overwhelm? Can you delegate tasks, say “no” more often, or simply let certain things go? Think of it as patching holes in a boat—you need to fix them to stay afloat!
2. Prioritize Like a Pro
Just as dad pointed out, you’re in control of the water level. Prioritize what truly matters. Determine which tasks have the most significant impact and direct your energy there. Celebrate your accomplishments with small rewards—perhaps even a desk-sized rubber duckie for a job well done (no judgment here!).
3. Get a Fresh Perspective (and Take a Real Break)
When you’re stuck in the details, it’s easy to miss the bigger picture. Step away from your routine and regain that 36,000-foot perspective. Take a genuine break—a walk, coffee with a friend, or anything that resets your brain. A fresh outlook often reveals the simplest way to drain your stress and find solid ground again.
Let’s stop treading water and start thriving!
Here’s to the wisdom of dads everywhere. Thanks, dad!