We’re living in an age where it’s common to work full-time and have a bit (of work) on the side. Going to the gym and actually becoming a top Fitstagrammer is talked about frequently and well, sitting in more than two nights per week can start to feel a bit hermit -like. All the while we need to be snap-chatting every second and finding time to perform random acts of kindness for the whole of our egos and the internet to see.
Well, at least this is the case for my life as I see it when I decide to look up from my screen(s) every now and again. Those are the moments when I decide to say no to invitations, put my feet up and simply enjoy doing exactly as I like, how and when I like it.
I decided to write this as I had a chat with a class-mate this morning regarding particular personality types and the need for a percentage of us in society to hit certain marks we’ve set for ourselves. Sitting still for just ten minutes (even on our day off or on holiday) can leave us feeling overly anxious as if we should be doing something else – anything else that’s actually productive.
Earlier this year, I started a course which will take me through to October this year when I (fingers crossed) get my diploma in coaching. Before starting, I made a conscious decision to pull back from my blog as I knew I couldn’t give 100% to the site, my course and my job. While I needed to make a sacrifice that was hard (trust me, I’d love to be writing much more than I am), I knew that over-juggling would have serious repercussions for me and for my future.
-I would be super exhausted, lacking in energy and therefore be unable to give any of my focuses my full focus.
-One or more areas would suffer due to the over-juggling of so much. This could lead to regret in the future which is not something that was signed up for.
-Finally, feeling tired while doing something sucks the passion out of it. I start everything I do because I love it and don’t particularly want that passion to go away.
So in conclusion, juggling just wasn’t an option.
Having said that, I have over-juggled in the past which is I guess why I try to avoid it (where possible) now. Busy-ness has become glorified and while it is important that we achieve, reach our goals and of course, feel fulfilled in what we do, it need not be at an expense to ourselves or other areas of our lives.
When it seems like there’s too many balls in the air, drop them all for a second. Write up a list of what’s going on, figure out your priorities and work out the amount of time you’d like to dedicate to each area. If it works out an outrageous number of hours then don’t be afraid to reassess. Take a look at your scheduling and resources and most importantly, be kind to your self.