​Is it less or is it more?

By Jennifer Newman, PhD
 
Can you really find joy when you have no energy left to truly enjoy it?
Do you want to live in a constant grind, so busy you don’t have time to slow down and notice the daily pleasures that surround you?
 
As a young professional chasing more was the constant pursuit. Higher grades, advanced degrees, better jobs, higher salaries, more, more, more… Burning out in the rat race façade of success. 
 
As a slightly seasoned professional I am on the constant pursuit of less. How can we, as a community, encourage each other to find balance and not reward overworking, work less. Not reward projects that are of no value to you, do less of what has no meaning to you. Not reward doing everything you can at all times, do less and have it be what you are really good at. 
 
The constant pursuit of less means having to really figure out what matters, and spending your time doing that, and not finding excuses for why you are too busy. ​

I have met so many people over the years, from so many walks of life, that have told me they will do the thing they love once they have time. The time is NOW. 
 
There is no reason you cannot do the things you love, cover the practical things you need to do in your life, like pay your bills, and find a success not shaded in a constant hustle and grind, with your head down … that is just pure exhaustion. If you don’t pay attention, set intentions, the hours will pass and in the end you will look back to see one big blur.  
 
Pick your head up. Look around. Look up.
Intentionally seek less. 
Less means more time to fill with the things that matter, and isn’t that actually more in the end?
 
Try this quick exercise. (Download and/or print worksheet)
 
PERSONAL BALANCE SHEET EXERCISE