Okay, so check this out. I was digging around, trying to get some Monday motivation going, you know? I wanted something to kinda focus on, some words to live by for the week. I stumbled across the Baltimore Ravens’ team motto – “Play Like a Raven”. But then I saw something else, “What’s Important Now” and that really hit differently.
First thing’s first, I googled it. I wanted to know where that phrase even came from. Turns out, it’s been around the Ravens for a while. Like, some old school players were saying it. It’s all about staying present, focusing on the immediate task, the next play, instead of getting bogged down in the past or worrying about the future. Good advice, right?
I decided, “Okay, I’m gonna try living this ‘What’s Important Now’ thing for a day.” I mean, I’m always multi-tasking, stressing about deadlines, and generally just feeling overwhelmed. Time to try something new.
Morning hit, and bam, emails. Usually, I’d try to tackle them all at once, skim through, and end up not really focusing on anything. This time? I told myself, “What’s Important Now? Just this ONE email.” I read it properly, gave it my full attention, and replied. Then, and ONLY then, did I move on to the next one.
Next up, work project. Big one, lots of moving parts. My instinct was to freak out and try to do everything at once. Nope. “What’s Important Now?” Breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks. I picked the most pressing one, focused all my energy on it, and got it done. Then, I moved on to the next. It felt so much less daunting!
Lunchtime. I usually eat at my desk while scrolling through social media. Today? “What’s Important Now?” Enjoying my food! I actually put my phone down, savored each bite, and just chilled for a few minutes. It was surprisingly refreshing.
Afternoon slump hit hard. I was tempted to procrastinate, browse the internet, you know the drill. But I remembered the motto. “What’s Important Now?” Getting back to work. I tackled another small task, and the momentum kept me going.
End of the day rolled around. I actually felt… accomplished? Like I’d gotten more done than usual, but with less stress. It was weird. Usually, I’m a ball of anxiety by 5 PM.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Identify the current task. What am I actually doing RIGHT NOW?
- Eliminate distractions. Phone on silent, close unnecessary tabs, the whole shebang.
- Focus. Give it my full attention. No half-assing.
- Complete. Finish the task before moving on to the next.
- Repeat. Simple as that.
Did it magically solve all my problems? Nah. But it definitely made me more present and productive. It’s like a mental reset button when I start feeling overwhelmed.
I’m not saying I’m a completely changed person now, or that I’m going to live by this motto every single second of every day. But it’s a good reminder to bring myself back to the present and focus on “What’s Important Now.” I reckon I’ll keep trying to use it, see where it goes. Worth a shot, right?
