How often do you think to yourself, “I really need more to do?”

It is natural for most passionate people to fill their buckets with a bit too much at some point in their lives. Well, since it’s natural, does that mean we should just push forward and ignore our current state? Our rational selves would likely answer, “No!” So intellectually, we know we should be doing less. Still, that knowledge doesn’t translate easily into change.

Personally, I justify doing “too much” because I feel I have no other options. Soon enough, I become stuck in a cycle, thinking that I simply have to deal with the pressure and get through that particular episode. Of course, thoughts like those leave me feeling pretty defeated. Add to those the opposing thoughts of “I really am doing too much,” and you’ve created a pretty strong opposing team. Why? Because none of these thoughts give you any insight into how you can turn that knowledge into change; that is, without moving to a deserted island with no Internet service. Unfortunately, that’s not really an option for me right now.

Negativity feeds negativity, which leaves one with precious little internal strength. Because of that conundrum, we’re often left feeling helpless and continue doing “too much” just because we don’t know what else to do.

An Alternative Perspective

A quote by Robert Holden offers us a different way to consider our options:

As we become even more strongly addicted to the pursuit of happiness, we are in no way prepared for happiness when it arrives.

Will you let the pursuit of what you’re doing (which is almost always too much) conceal your ability to enjoy life and the fruits of your work? Well, if you value internal happiness, you won’t let this happen. So how do you create the space you need and room enough to breathe without dropping everything?

The Hardest Part

Many times, I’ve resisted thinking about this question by responding quickly, “I don’t have a clue!” In reality, however, we know exactly what we must do. It’s just a struggle to actually do it.

Answer these questions as honestly as you can.

-> Why are you doing too much? In other words, what are the goals of this work?
-> What can you sacrifice to create the breathing room you need?

Then comes the hard part; actually making the required sacrifice.

Is it worth it? Well, that’s for you to decide. For me, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

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SOURCE

I came across that inspiring post while following ZenHabits @Twitter. Beautiful Read.

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