I Took A Year Off.. And I Was Miserable
Summary
- I once took a year off from work, but I realized I was miserable when I wasn't working. This taught me the importance of having work I find meaningful.
- Being busy and productive is what gives my life purpose and joy. So, not working led to a sense of loss and confusion about my purpose.
- I came to understand that hard work is my goal. For me, the aim is to "empty the tank" each day, meaning I should give everything my all.
- At times, working hard makes me feel tired and bored. I might not want to continue, but pushing through these feelings is essential for fulfillment.
- You don’t know if you have more to give until you push yourself to the limit. Keep going until you genuinely can't anymore.
- The days that I push hard and give my all are the ones I remember fondly and feel the most fulfilled by.
Video
How To Take Action
I suggest embracing the idea that meaningful work is crucial for fulfillment. Even if you feel tired or bored, push through those feelings. Focus on tasks that make you feel most engaged and purposeful, even if they require effort to complete.
A good way of doing this is by setting daily goals to "empty the tank." Utilize each day to its fullest by committing to tasks that stretch your limits. This doesn’t mean overworking yourself to exhaustion, but rather challenging yourself to give a bit more than you think you can.
To start, identify tasks you find meaningful and fulfilling. Prioritize these tasks each day. Even when it's tough, remind yourself how accomplished and content you'll feel once you’ve pushed through.
When you encounter moments of doubt or fatigue, take short, intentional breaks to recharge. This can help refresh your mind while maintaining momentum.
Another key strategy is to frequently evaluate and adjust your workload to ensure it aligns with your purpose. Reflect on days when you feel particularly fulfilled and use them as a benchmark for future efforts.
Finally, cultivate resilience by reminding yourself that every extra effort is a step towards a greater purpose. Over time, you'll find fulfillment not only in the end results but in the process of giving it your all.
