Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself: Slowing Down is Also Part of Progress

We all have moments where we set ambitious goals, yet sometimes become too hard on ourselves when progress doesn’t come as fast or is not as impactful as expected. More often than not, this can lead to a downward spiral of frustration and inadequacy.

But if you find yourself in this position, try to remember that it’s okay—in fact, it might even be necessary—to take a step back and allow yourself some time to slow down. While taking breaks from the hustle and bustle of life may seem counterintuitive, research consistently shows us how slowing down helps us get back on track faster and more efficiently.

UNDERSTAND – Recognise what triggers your feelings of pressure and burnout

As professionals, we are all susceptible to feelings of pressure and burnout at times. Understanding the triggers that lead to these feelings is imperative to managing and preventing them from taking over our daily routines. By recognising what sets us off, we can begin to take the necessary steps to find ways to alleviate the pressure and reduce burnout.

This often involves setting boundaries, prioritising tasks, and taking breaks to recharge. Once we have a clearer picture of what leads to these negative emotions, we can take proactive steps towards better self-care and work-life balance. Ultimately, taking control of our triggers can help us maintain better mental health and achieve greater career success.

ACCEPT – Acknowledge that it’s okay to take breaks and slow down

Acknowledging the importance of taking breaks and slowing down can be difficult in our fast-paced world. We often feel pressure to push ourselves to the limit and hustle until we achieve our goals. However, ignoring our need for rest can negatively affect our mental and physical health. As professionals, it’s crucial to recognise that taking a breather is okay now and then.

By doing so, we can come back refreshed and productive, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. So, don’t let society’s obsession with constant productivity discourage you from taking some time for yourself. Remember to accept that breaks are a necessary part of achieving your goals in the long run.

REFLECT – Take some time to think about what you’re feeling and why

In our fast-paced lives, we often forget to take a moment to reflect on our feelings and emotions. However, it’s essential to understand our inner world, acknowledge its intricacies, and delve deeper to know what triggers our emotions. Reflection gives us the opportunity to examine our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and enables us to discover patterns that may be holding us back from reaching our fullest potential.

By taking some time each day to reflect, we gain invaluable insights that allow us to make better decisions, improve our personal and professional relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.

PRIORITISE – Make a list of the most important tasks and focus on those first

As professionals, we face numerous tasks in our daily routines. To ensure productivity, it’s essential to make a list of the most critical to-do’s and prioritise them. Prioritising involves giving importance and attention to the most crucial tasks to achieving our goals and objectives.

Focusing on the most critical tasks first maximises our time and energy, allowing us to complete more work efficiently. Effective prioritisation is an excellent time-management tool that reduces stress and increases job satisfaction. Therefore, prioritise and tackle your tasks in order of importance to achieve maximum productivity.

BALANCE – Incorporate self-care into your daily routine

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a work-life balance can be daunting. However, we mustn’t lose sight of the importance of self-care. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine helps you manage stress and improve overall well-being, but it can also increase productivity and enhance your relationships.

Small changes such as taking a walk, practising mindfulness, or setting aside a few minutes for a hobby can significantly affect how you feel and perform. Remember, prioritising self-care is not selfish but an essential component of maintaining balance in our busy lives.

CONNECT – Seek out support from friends, family, or colleagues who understand how you’re feeling

When we are going through challenging times, seeking support from friends, family or colleagues who can empathise with us can make a significant difference. Trying to tough it out on our own can be tempting, but leaning on others for support is not a sign of weakness – in fact, it’s a sign of strength. Sometimes, we just need someone who understands what we’re going through, listens to us, and provides encouragement.

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help – you might be surprised at how willing others are to lend an ear or offer some words of comfort. By connecting with others, you’ll feel less alone and more likely to find a way through the challenges you’re facing.

Working toward maintaining a balanced life can be a challenging but rewarding journey. It is essential to start by first recognising that feelings of burnout or pressure are present and acknowledging it is okay to take breaks and slow down. One should take some time away from their desk and reflect on their feelings to better understand the underlying issues causing those pressures. After better appreciating the current state of your mental health, you can make a list of your most essential tasks and focus on these.

As you incorporate self-care into your routine, don’t forget that seeking support from family, friends, or colleagues who understand your feelings is critical to a healthy and productive work-life balance. We should all strive for the peace of mind that comes with having our emotional health in check! What factors do you believe are most important when striving for balance?