Finding Balance: Overcoming Overwhelm and Embracing Change
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Chapter 1: The Weight of Expectations
At 23, I felt utterly defeated. I was in the midst of my first year as a life insurance sales agent, struggling financially and feeling completely drained of energy and inspiration.
Photo by Stacey Koenitz on Unsplash
Since the age of seventeen, I had been relentlessly pursuing my education. As a full-time student, I juggled my bachelor's and master's degrees while taking on multiple roles, including a graduate assistantship and an internship at a local insurance agency. At that time, my life revolved around busyness.
About a year and a half ago, everything shifted dramatically; I transitioned to a full-time bartending job and moved out on my own for the first time. While these changes may not seem significant, they were monumental given my previous expectations of a corporate career—expectations that were dashed after being laid off twice during the pandemic.
Now, as I embrace a more laid-back lifestyle, it has become clear that our current approach to work is unsustainable. We often convince ourselves that we must either be constantly busy or not busy at all, which is simply unrealistic.
Section 1.1: Redefining Success
Achieving progress over the past two years has been a journey, and it's essential to recognize that progress, regardless of its pace, is still valuable.
Busyness is often romanticized in our society, seen as a badge of honor and a precursor to success. During my college days, I spent around 10 to 12 hours on campus, racing to complete assignments while working part-time. Friends and family would compliment my dedication, believing it foretold success. Yet, beneath that façade, I was merely trying to survive.
Each year of college brought increasing debt, and I needed to work at least part-time to cover basic necessities. My busyness was born from obligation, not ambition.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Reality of Survival vs. Success
Success is not synonymous with constant busyness. If given the choice, most people would prefer to relax and spend time with loved ones rather than feel pressured to be constantly productive.
The notion that an unplanned schedule equates to wasted time was a belief I held for far too long. My perspective shifted significantly when I started bartending, allowing me to create a more fulfilling and less conventional routine. I no longer adhere to a standard 40-hour workweek and have learned to manage my finances effectively, which has enabled this lifestyle.
The key takeaway here is to remain open to different possibilities. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t making progress.
Chapter 2: Embracing Change
WHEN YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED | The Battle Is The Lord's - Inspirational & Motivational Video - YouTube
This motivational video serves as a reminder that feeling overwhelmed doesn’t equate to failure; it’s a part of the journey.
Adjusting to a less hectic schedule can be challenging. Initially, I reveled in the newfound time, but guilt soon crept in, leading me to believe I wasn’t achieving enough. However, I’ve learned that rest is a crucial part of productivity.
As we grow older, our needs evolve, and the routines that once served us may no longer be effective. At 28, I’ve had to forgive myself for not being able to handle the same workload I did in my younger years.
Section 2.1: The Power of Rest
Recognizing the need for rest is vital. It allows us to recharge and maintain presence in various aspects of life.
Realizing that I need more rest than I did a decade ago has been a journey of acceptance. It’s important to acknowledge this evolution and to develop new routines that align with our current needs.
I'm Tired of Trying and Failing - YouTube
This video highlights the common struggle of feeling exhausted from trying but emphasizes the importance of perseverance and self-compassion.
Chapter 3: Lessons Learned on the Journey
This journey has imparted one of the most crucial lessons: distinguishing my identity from my achievements. Life has unfolded in unexpected ways, yet I remain grateful for the independence I’ve gained.
Every challenge has turned out to be a chance for redirection rather than a setback. We often cling to rigid expectations, believing that deviations are failures, leading to exhaustion.
In reality, if you are waking up each day and doing your best, you are succeeding. Success doesn’t always resemble a smooth ascent; it frequently looks more like a series of setbacks.
Forgive yourself for not meeting unrealistic standards of productivity. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Prioritizing self-care is essential for achieving balance in all areas of life.