We’re all been there. You know, the times when the responsibilities of life seem unrelenting. The times when we are stuck in the go, go, go, go, go cycle. The times when all we can think about are all of the things we ‘have to’ do like:
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Addressing all of the personal demands placed on us,
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Fulfilling all of our professional responsibilities,
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Winning new business at work,
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Keeping all of the community involvement commitments we made,
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Taking care of and maintaining a balanced family,
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Paying the Bills,
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Doing the Laundry,
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Cleaning the house,
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Repairing the __,
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Going grocery shopping,
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Fulfilling our dreams (Yes, remember those?)
The list goes on and on, right?
All the while we find it hard to even keep up. We run, and run, and run some more, juggling as many tasks as we possibly can on our way ‘there’ and we are just about exhausted and ready to collapse. Then it happens.
In a moment, all of the confusion and chaos that was was just swirling like a cyclone around us disappears, the clouds open up, and the warm rays of the sun shine through. That crowded room we were just stuck in empties, those urgent deadlines we were tasked with have been met, and that overbearing noise of demands turns to silence. We can breath again! Ahhhh….
Now, we still have a long list of to-do’s in front of us, but nothing urgent and we now actually have some time to ‘do’ them and knock them out. We can’t believe it, right? This is awesome! So we take another deep breath, enjoy the silence for a moment, and then ask ourselves the question, Now what?
Well, if you’re like the majority of the human race, the first instinct you have isn’t to start down that to-do list that has been backing up. The first thing the average person who is overwhelmed on a daily basis feels is, I want to rest. Welcome inner conflict, right?
Yes, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for- free time! WOW, when’s the last time that happened, right? And yes, as excited as you are about it, you suddenly start feeling that inner conflict and guilt kick in that says you ‘should’ use this time to ‘catch-up’. Problem is, all you want to do is lie down, take a nap, surf them web, or mindlessly sit down and watch a movie. What’s wrong with you? This is your chance!
Wrong! The answer to what is wrong with you is Nothing!
You see, our lives today for the most part are far too complex and busy. Our bodies, minds, and emotions aren’t built to handle this type of constant pressure and activity. We were made to work, yes, and work hard at that, but within reason, and within boundaries.
Believer or not, countless studies have show that the most happy and productive humans are the ones that take frequent and deliberate rests. Saying that, don’t always feel like you have to go, go, go. Truth be told, if that is the case, you’re going to statistically be the first to die, die, die. Stress and mortality have a direct link. If you stay stressed it is medically proven to weaken your immune system , increase infection, disease, and shorten your life. So take good advice from a guy who has been critically ill twice before the age of 30- Slow Down!
Yes, it’s true you have a lot to do. Yes, it’s true that people are counting on you. I ask you though, are you really the key lynch pin in everyone’s life or are you simply allowing yourself to be wore out for others because you take it on yourself? (pause here for a while and really thing about this question…)
Furthermore, with as busy as you are, what good is it if you’re dead or in bed sick?
Seriously, think about it. If all these people need you that bad, you’re no good to any of them if you’re dead. So take the ‘free-time’ you suddenly have and enjoy it for your own well being, and theirs.
Think About It
If you’re on a flight and the oxygen levels dropped, masks with free flowing oxygen fall from the ceiling when you need it. Like the airline industry has told us for years, we are to put on our own mask first. Why?
The reason they tell us this is because it’s a wise truth. You see, if you help others first you will soon pass out from lack of oxygen, then you are not going to be around to help anyone else. However, if you take care of yourself first and can breath freely and deeply, then you are alive to help and everyone is better off. Get it?
Action Plan
So if you are a high-achiever and reading this article, chances are you already have a rigid and functional schedule in place to balance your time, redeem it, and get the most done out of life.
My question to you is this though, Have you scheduled in time:
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For rest?
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For yourself?
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For exercise?
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For something YOU enjoy?
If the answer is no, then you need to revise your schedule TODAY.
Remember, you’re a champion. You’ll never be anything less no matter who tells you otherwise. I know this because you are sitting here reading an article on how to better yourself in life. Not many people would do that, but you’re different. You really are a champion and something special. Now it’s time you started living like it!
You know how hard you work, how much you sacrifice, and how much you love other people. We’re not asking you change all that. What we are asking you to consider is if you are working at max potential and high-speeds once and a while or all the time.
Once and a while, no problem- that’s life and a good thing. However, if you are always driving your car (life) at 160 mph, you’re going to burn out your engine fast and/or crash very soon. Stop that BEFORE it happens.
How You Ask?
Start by really considering your schedule today. What’s on your plate? What you can get rid of? What can you outsource? Basically, what you can do to balance your life and rest a little?
Remember, it’s not a sin to enjoy the life God has given you, so why don’t you give it a try and start today!
In closing, hope this article helped you and someone you know (feel free to pass it on). Please, sincerely, call or write us if you need help in this area. While this is what we do for a living, we also care more about man than money. So if you need a little help, just ask. We want to see you thrive and live the victorious Christian life.
Now that doesn’t mean you need to be a christian to call, or that we are going to try to ‘convert you’ when you do. However, it does mean we will speak openly about Christ and how His principles laid forth in the bible always work- short term and long. That’s what has made us successful and everyone else we’ve worked with. We’d like to continue that pattern of success with you!
Helping You Ascend,
David Pasqualone
Now What?
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Scripture to Consider:
- Genesis 2:2
- Proverbs 17:22
- Ecclesiastes 9:7
