These days life is pretty busy for most of us and one thing I have discovered, is that efficiency can be both a blessing and a curse. To toot my own horn, I must admit I am very, very good at getting things done. I put those five minute gaps that happen during the day to good use. While the kettle is boiling, I unpack the dishwasher, I plan my week, make shopping lists and gosh, talking about it like this, someone give me a Noddy Badge for totally succeeding in getting the most out of my day!

However, there is a fine line between efficiency and relentless perfectionism and I suspect I am on the slippery slope to overwhelm. The harder I work, the more scattered I get and the unfortunate consequence of this, is a clumsy carelessness. Those of you following me on Facebook will know some of what I get up to and it's not pretty!

At times like this, there is a strong tendency to try harder, like Avis. Now, while it might work in advertising and for car hire, it is definitely not working for me. No matter how much I have or do in a day, it is never enough. The demands on my time and energy never stop and nor does my desire for more. One mug isn't enough, I simply must have that fabulous polka dot set from Woolworths…and best I get eight just in case… or maybe ten, so if some break…. Well, you get my drift.  

The way to tackle this is not to stop the world or to ban yourself from Woolies indefinitely. It starts with us, our way of approaching our lives and relating to our desires has to change. Instead of satisfying every urge, start cultivating contentment, that feeling of being happy with what you have and feeling that what you have is enough. Fiddle with the habit of wanting, because if we look carefully at our lives, we can see there is no end to our wanting. So start where we are, with the problem which is our wanting, and not with what it is we want.

For a moment close your eyes and imagine being completely happy with your life… yourself… your partner… your kids… your job… your bank balance. How would it feel to be so utterly at ease, so wholly at peace? This is the feeling we need to cultivate.