10 ways to be more unbothered

Frustration = optional

This goes out to all the project managers, and by project managers, I mean people with things to do. <3

Care less about what doesn’t really matter.
You really don’t have to send the meal back, honk at the person in front of you, or get angry about not having your mind read.

Don’t get mad at other people for not being you.
People act, speak, smell, move, and think in so many interesting ways that getting butt-hurt about the ways they differ from you will not only deny you access to the beauty of humanity, but will give you a heart attack.

Distance yourself from emotional black holes.
If someone, someplace, or some activity sets your teeth on edge, avoid it if possible. Keep a safe mental distance from it if you must engage.

Accept imperfection as ideal.
Because perfect isn’t possible, and good enough is usually pretty impressive anyway.

Enjoy misadventures as side quests.
Things break down. Your energy will be rerouted and your work delayed. Detours are always part of the trip.

Leave more slack in all the systems.
Budget more: patience, time, possibility, leeway, snacks, water, and backups. Congrats. You are building a calmer world.

Let problems resolve without you.
Just because you know about doesn’t mean that you can or should insert yourself into the mess.

Assume best intentions.
The world is not out to destroy you. And even if a few members of it turn out to be nefarious, they are a minute proportion of your life, and can be excised from it.

Don’t act like an authority.
You have experience and ideas and skills of some kind. So does everybody else. Be appreciative instead of authoritative and your life will be less difficult and more enjoyable.

Decline to burnout.
Burnout happens when capacity is overestimated for an extended period of time. Agreeing to work within the confines of capacity is not shirking: it’s responsible asset allocation. Just say no to your own demise.