Margin

How much margin do you have in life? You know, the extra time, money, and energy that can be devoted to random opportunities that emerge at a moment's notice.

Without margin we can't respond to unplanned circumstances or opportunities, which in turn means that we aren't available in the most important of life's moments. Without extra room in our finances we can't respond to emergencies or help others in need. Without extra room in our schedules we can't spend time talking to our neighbors or enjoying a relaxing walk with the family. Without extra energy in our tanks we can't function at the most productive levels personally or professionally.

Having margin in life means being misunderstood. Our society and culture expects us to always be moving and shaking, always doing something or going somewhere. The moment you begin to build in a little margin you'll find that you have more down time, and people will criticize that. The perception is that if you have down time you're either lazy or inept, maybe both. Generating margin will cause criticism. Why? Because generating margin means saying no - turning down commitments of our time, money, effort, etc.

People don't like to be told no, so they criticize. They misunderstand. If they only knew the value of being able to access relationships, finances, and strength when it's really important, they might have a greater appreciation for occasionally being told no.