Take stock, and be sure to reflect. Do you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or mentally drained?
Conventional wisdom recommends that you push on through and redouble your efforts.
That might sound like a great idea for the short term, but it’s not sustainable in the long run.
Each day you can’t keep pushing onward. You can try, but you will eventually get sick, break, or want to give up.
When I first started running, I learned about the run/walk plan. The plan is pretty straightforward. You run for two minutes and then walk for four. During the second week, you run for three minutes and then walk for three. Slowly (but surely), you keep building up your stamina until you can run all the way through your desired distance.
You don’t keep pushing forward, no matter what. You stop running, walk, and then get back into running.
The same is true for life.
We need time to stop and reflect.
I’ve heard people say that the Coronavirus pandemic quarantine has been the “Great Pause.” There aren’t many times in life that force you to reflect and calm down. If you’re pushing yourself too hard, I recommend taking time to reflect.
Make time to stop and rest.
If someone is pushing you to work harder or make an on-the-spot decision, put up a boundary for yourself, and give yourself time. Some natural boundary space for big decisions is common place. If you’re offered a job, you can tell them that you need a day to think it over.
But if someone is giving you an ultimatum and wants you to make a decision right now, unless you’re confident that you know what you want to do, give yourself time.
Stop and reflect.
Talk with a trusted family member or friend. Write in your journal or just tiptoe through the tulips. Whatever works for you, give yourself the time to stop, breathe, and reflect.
Answers come when you’re at peace and rest.
Decisions made by reacting are often problematic.
I know taking time might be hard, but you’re worth it.
Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.