WE all know the feeling of racing through life. Either we try to cram too many tasks into too few hours in the day or set unrealistic goals we expect to achieve right away only to end up feeling exhausted and depleted. We actively engage in this never-ending cycle that leaves us frazzled, overwhelmed, and lacking joy. But has anybody ever told you or has it ever struck you that it doesn’t have to be this way?
That’s right, it doesn’t and it shouldn’t. So if you’re ready to break free from the rat race, put your feet up and read on because your journey towards a calmer and more meaningful life starts here.
Step 1: Learn to Slow Down
Although it is often said that “life is a race”, what does that really mean? Are we all just racing towards some finish line that we can never cross? Or are we racing each other to see who can get there first?
For many people who are living their lives as if they are in a race, they are doing so to get ahead. Because of this, they often forget to enjoy the journey and are only focused on the destination instead.
Learn to slow down and take the time to stop and smell the roses. Appreciate the little things because ultimately, it's not about who finishes first, but who lives life to the fullest. After what the whole world went through together with Covid, I think we can all agree that “Life is too short.” Let’s not spend it worrying about who's better than whom.
Step 2: Know the things that matter more
There are many things in life that we can get caught up in chasing after. Whether it's a new car, a bigger house, or a promotion at work. But know the things that matter more and do not lose sight of them. What we are talking about here are the things that will make you happy and fulfilled, regardless of your material possessions, like your family and friends, good health, doing work that you love, and having a positive outlook on life. While these are not always easy to achieve, they're worth striving for.
If you can focus on these things more, you'll find that you will be much happier and more content than if you're constantly chasing after the other stuff.
Step 3: Don’t be afraid to Stop, reset and start over again
There's no shame in hitting the brakes and starting over again. In fact, it's often the best thing you can do for yourself. Although taking a break can be difficult sometimes, especially for the go-getters and workaholics, it allows you to take stock of what's going on around you. One of the best ways to move forward is to take a few steps back, so if you're feeling lost, stuck, or just plain unhappy, it may be time to stop, reset and start over again. Before you know it, you will be back on track with a clearer mind and sharper focus.
These three simple steps may seem cliché, but we still need to think hard about them and more often. Because while we are alive, we will never run out of work to do, problems to face, opportunities to seize, objects to acquire, places to visit, or money to earn. But something that we can run out of at any given moment in time, is the precious breath we take every day. And this is why we need to always remind ourselves to stop racing and start living our best life. (By Iresse Ptricia O. Bulos, contributor)