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For many, taking on too much in life can feel like it’s time for a change. But is it?
According to some experts, feeling overwhelmed and stressed out is simply a sign that you’re not taking enough time for yourself. And I would agree.
I think it’s simple to say when you can balance your time between work, family, and social activities without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll be happier and more productive.
Taking on Too Much
It’s pretty easy to say that most of us have taken on too much. The problem is when it keeps occurring, you are getting stressed out.
One thing you can do, which I’m still learning, is to realize when you are doing this and stop it.
If you happen to be someone that enjoys helping, feeling overwhelmed might even be an everyday occurrence. Don’t get me wrong, lending a helping hand is excellent. You need to recognize it when it happens.
Something important to remember is there are only so many hours in a day (24) and a week (168). Once that time is spent, it’s gone.
You will not be able to take additional time. At least for now, this is all you get.
24-Hours a Day is All You Get
Let’s take a moment and quickly divide your 24 hours into a day.
- Let’s say you sleep an average of eight hours a night (something we should all strive for).
- Plan on working nine hours five days a week (between commuting and working).
- That leaves you with seven hours (for family, personal time, etc.)
If you think about it, that is not a lot of time. Some of us work further away from our homes, have family commitments, and a ton of other obligations.
And let’s face it, do you really sleep eight hours a night?
The point here is that time is precious.
How Will You Spend Your Time?
At the beginning of this year, I decided to put myself first.
In the past, I had a well-paying job, but it was demanding (both physically and mentally). After deciding to put me first, it didn’t take long to remember what it felt like to live.
Having more time to do what you enjoy is truly a game-changer. Not to mention, less stress equals more quality sleep.
And again, if you are like me and tend to take on more than you should, remember to add in some time for yourself.
I still tend to fill my plate with more than I should (between work and trying to start a business), but I still remember to take time for myself.
To add a plug to a post I wrote a few years ago, finding what makes you happy will help you determine where you should spend the limited time you have.
With that said, here is an essential question for you. What have you done lately for yourself?
Maybe you have a few ideas or plans, but nothing has seemed to work out. Perhaps you think it’s time for a change. Well, I’m glad you brought that up.
Are You Ready for a Change?
Now that we got all that stuff out of the way, it’s time to focus on making a change.
I’m sure I have shared a little about it, but I was in a very rewarding carrier that I didn’t enjoy anymore. I got paid well and had terrific benefits, but I realized a harsh reality that I wasn’t happy anymore.
The funny thing was that I worked 44-70 hours a week and also had a part-time job (I would work once or twice a month).
I started realizing that a very part-time job was where I was having a TON of fun. I enjoyed the people I worked with, got to outfit people for incredible adventures, and overall just had a blast. So that job became my “downtime.”
It is funny looking back at it, but that escape allowed me to take a step back and realize that I needed to make a change.
Starting a Passion Project, For Me, That Was a Blog
Suppose you aren’t ready to leave a career. Have you considered a passion project or trying something on the side?
Additionally, if you know, I have another blog called The Wilde Escape, where I write about all the fun things in life.
After having Wilde Escape for over a year, I wanted to start writing about escaping the 9 to 5 job.
It is still funny every time I get questions about how I started my blog. Due to this, I started a separate section of this site for doing just that.
I’m calling it Building Your Freedom.
If you check it out, let me know! I want to know if there is anything you want me to cover or clarify.
A New Life Chapter
Sometimes when you are ready for a change, that also creates another path in life.
I have found an exciting point of a blog: once you start putting things in writing, you are way more likely to do it.
Accountability can be both good and bad. But overall, it’s been great and has added a layer of accountability.
It’s Time for a Change
If you have read all of this or just skipped to the end, you know I am on the path of change.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day. It’s up to you how you choose to spend it.
We can no longer afford to sit idly by and let others dictate our future.
It is up to us to take control of our lives and make the world a better place.
So if this resonates with you, which I hope it does, what is the change you are working on today?
Let me know in the comments below.
