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The most successful people I’ve ever met spend most of their lives overwhelmed.

I’m serious…

These successes don’t magically control every aspect of their lives perfectly. For the most part, they’re just juggling effectively.

Talk to someone in the prime of their productivity and they’ll almost always look similar to these:

Ask a great athlete in the middle of their game, “what are you thinking about out there?”

They’ll give you a bit of an awkward face for a moment while they leave productive mode and get back into reflective mode. They might even have to be asked the question a second time because their response will just be a confused, “what?”

That’s how business executives act when they’re in the middle of something big.

They’re so busy doing things in their head that it takes them a second to switch their brain to a different mode.

This is a good position to be in.

It’s a sign that you’re focused. It’s a sign that you’re doing something big.

But…

You can’t do it forever.

Sure… over time you’ll get stronger and better at managing tons of things but you’re human. (I’m personally glad you’re human. Humans make much better company.)

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed with the things you’re thinking about.

It’s good to get super focused on achieving your goals.

It’s downright admirable.

That being said, the only purpose of your life shouldn’t be to win the admiration of others.

The purpose of your life should include something for you.

Do great things!

They will require you juggle tons of difficult decisions and problems.

(That’s what make them great. Not everyone can manage them.)

But never lose sight of the person you should be trying to please. You know, the person wearing your hair as a hat. If you donated your hair to someone at some point in your life then that won’t make sense. In fact, it probably doesn’t make sense to most of you. 🙂

Learn to appreciate the planned step back.

By slowing down intentionally, you protect yourself from completely burning out when you’re desperate to be successful.

(I’ve heard many a horror story of students breaking down during finals. That ends up costing them huge points because they just can’t get themselves to do what they need to do.)

A strategic rest session once in a while can help you keep your head on straight.

It keeps your priorities in check.

And, shucks, isn’t it kind of fun once in a while?

Image Sources: UBC Learning Commons/a>