Time for an Audit? The Hidden Tax – of Tolerations (Part 2)
"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." – Jim Rohn
Last week, I shared how even small tolerations—like ill-fitting sneakers—can drain our energy more than we realize. Simply naming them is eye-opening. But awareness is only the first step. The real work (and reward) comes from intentionally reducing their hold on us.
After resolving one long-standing toleration, I was surprised (once again) how quickly others came into focus: the sticky computer keys, the half-read “I’ll get to it later” emails, the car that needs a tune-up. None of these are life-shattering, yet together they form a steady drain. To address them, what is needed isn’t just willpower—it is a system.
Research shows that unresolved stressors—whether a nagging task, an unspoken conflict, or an inefficiency in our daily routines—occupy space in our subconscious. This “cognitive load” quietly depletes our mental energy. In healthcare especially, where focus and clarity are critical, the weight of accumulated tolerations can tip us toward fatigue and frustration. The flip side is encouraging: when we address even minor tolerations, our brains reward us with dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical that boosts motivation and helps build momentum. Small victories truly pave the way for bigger ones.
One effective strategy I have found helpful for addressing these is doing regular “Toleration Audits.” Here’s how it works:
Name them. Write down every irritation, inefficiency, or nagging loose end you’ve been putting up with. Don’t stop at a handful—aim for 30 (they’re there, I promise – see my 10-minute list attached).
Sort them. Group them by domain—work, home, relationships, health, finances, etc.—to see patterns.
Prioritize. Start small. Choose one or two quick wins to address first. This builds energy and confidence for tackling larger tolerations.
Share. Involve your PeerRx partner. Swap lists, laugh at the ridiculous ones you’ve been tolerating, and celebrate each small success together.
This isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing practice. Just as clutter creeps back into our offices and inboxes, tolerations will reappear. But by approaching them with awareness and intention, we create space for greater focus, peace of mind, and a regular sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
So this week, try your own Toleration Audit (10 minutes max.). Name them, sort them, and take one step toward breaking free. Then put a reminder on your calendar to repeat monthly. You’ll likely find that over time, your list gets smaller as you learn to address these before they have time to fester. The payoff isn’t just fewer annoyances—it’s a lighter, clearer, more energized life. And that’s something worth making room for.