We, in the modern world, are in such a rush.
We’ve taken that mentality of “output equals productivity” and extended it to just about every aspect of life.
We’re so preoccupied with achieving our goals that we blind ourselves to everything else.
Having focus is one thing.
Becoming single-minded is another.
Maybe you’ve noticed that single-minded people will often achieve something big, like the Jeff Besozes and Elon Musks of this world.
But when you have that kind of single-minded devotion, you give up on a lot of other things along the way.
Like having a life that isn’t consumed by your work.
Family becomes estranged, you stop having time for friends and genuine fun, and sooner or later you’ll find that it’s lonely at the top.
Or sleeping under your desk at the factory, as Musk did when under pressure to hit manufacturing targets.
Most people want to enjoy the journey.
Not give up the pleasure of living life for the sake of work.
It’s those of us that are racing to fill a gaping hole within ourselves that burn the candle at both ends (in this case the candle is our life).
And when you do that, nothing is ever enough.
And nothing is ever balanced because there’s always too much of one thing and never enough of another to harmonise it.
Just look at Besoz, who can fly into space in an especially designed phallic rocket ship but won’t pay a living wage to the people who work to make him the richest bastard on the planet.
Don’t sacrifice this moment to get where you’re going.
You can achieve great things in life while wholeheartedly enjoying the journey.
At least that way, if you don’t make it to the destination of that particular road (because you’re allowed to change your mind or adjust your bearings), you made the most of the trip you did take!
Train yourself to notice this moment and stop to do it often.
JOURNALING PROMPTS:
Describe the present moment.
Questions to help you:
- How is the light?
- How do you feel?
- Where are you and how do you feel about it?
- How does your body feel?
- What’s happening right now?
