Dear Reader,
I can feel it from across the internet.
The stress that buzzes behind your forehead,
The anxiety within your gentle tears,
The tightness in your chest, computer-strained vision, & your rounded back…
Although it’s obviously uncomfortable, I assume you continue because historically, these signs have been associated with hard work -
The only path to accomplishment & success.
From across the internet, I ask you: Is that true?
“Better.”
“Almost done.”
“Just one last thing…”
The stress, anxiety, head down just do it mentality… Is it working?
If it is, there’s no need to continue reading. Carry on.
But if an ounce of you wishes there was another way -
If part of you knows this process is not sustainable -
Allow me to share an alternative path to accomplishment & success.
Take a few days off -
And then take a few days more.
& whenever you are ready to return,
You will not need to “catch-up.”
Because nothing was lost.
In fact, something will be gained.
If days feel scary, let’s start with one moment.
Right now, stand up from your desk,
Extend your arms.
Feel how safe you are.
In this moment - you are okay. Everything is okay.
Remind yourself of that.
Dare to recognize the pounding in your chest as a cue to relax,
Rather than retaliate.
A cue to take it easy,
Rather than, “I have not done enough,”
Allow it to be a reminder that you have done, already.
This is the alternative:
Take a few days off.
Or simply, take a moment.
I can hear you saying, because I have said it myself:
“Okay, but just one last thing..“
Or - “Sure, except I’ll still do just this one task.”
To which I say, “Okay. If you’d like!”
But let’s laugh together at the contradiction.
Because we’re saying, “Okay, yes, I will rest, I will take time off, but not now. But I can’t.”
I need this, too, so let’s repeat together:
Take a few days off.
Nothing will be lost, & so much will be gained.
How can I guarantee this alternative path also leads to accomplishment & success?
Because there is no version of this story where you do not achieve your incredible goals.
By nature, you are incredibly passionate, driven, focused, & determined.
Your big dreamer qualities & strengths that ensure you always follow through -
Let these traits not be reason to work harder,
But trust that your work is enough.
Reader,
Your forehead is stressed. You just cried for seemingly no reason. Your chest is constricted & your back is sore.
Reader, you haven’t looked at a real life object in hours!
Come on.
Take a break.
The world will not end.
I promise you, the world will not end.
You will be okay. Your deadlines will be okay.
Your boss & your clients will be okay.
Take a break.
& If you want to be profound, do not fall under the guise that you need to make anything up upon your return.
Nothing will be lost, & so much will be gained.
