The phrase “There is more to life than increasing its speed” reflects the idea that life should not be solely focused on rushing through it or constantly seeking to accomplish more and more in less time. Instead, it reminds us that there are valuable aspects of life that we might be missing when we’re rushing.
It’s almost trite for me to say we live in “fast-paced world” where our productivity and often efficiency are often prioritized over all else. So when I think about the “more” to life, it reminds me that yes work is very important: But, so is taking time for meaningful connections, personal growth, self-reflection and appreciation of the present moment and those sharing it with us. Stopping helps to remind me that my life’s value — and my self-value as well — are not solely determined by how much I can accomplish in a day or how quickly I might achieve our goals. So when I’m lying in bed at night, reflecting on my day, How “rich” I made my day gets down to the depth of experiences during those 24 hours.
Now being totally frank — I like being rich far better than I liked the days when I was poor — but I’ve still had days when the money in my pocket was less fulfilling because I was chasing something and my needs for personal well-being, happiness, and fulfillment where less than fulfilled.
Here are 7 ways to enjoy the “more of life” that we might miss when we’re too focused on getting ahead.
1. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly and taking breaks throughout the day need to be added to the top of our To-Do Lists. Taking care of our physical and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining balance.
2. Clear boundaries between work and personal life can be arbitrary — but we all know when they’ve been crossed or ignored by ourselves or others. Decide what times are for work or leisure activities, and try to stick to them. Try to avoid bringing work-related tasks into your personal time and vice versa. Communicate your boundaries to colleagues, friends & family. As I work in crisis management — I’ll work 24/7 if necessary. But if a weekend call or email is not urgent, I’ve learned that if I respect my time & space it sets the tone for others as well.
3. Nobody is fully present with a cell phone in hand. “Wait…What?” has bumped “Pardon me” in far too many conversations. Whether it’s working on a task, spending time with loved ones or enjoying a hobby — do your best to focus on that moment. Watch how this helps reduce stress, enhances your well-being and improves all relationships.
4. Learn to say no. We all have to learn to recognize our limits & not overcommit. When we don’t, we’re often resentful and act grudgingly which, frankly, becomes pretty obvious. Say no to tasks or responsibilities that simply don’t align with your priorities or those that would overwhelm you. You’ll then have more time to focus on what truly matters and maintain a healthy balance.
5. Instead of trying to do it all, set realistic goals that align with your values and priorities. Break down big projects into manageable tasks. Give yourself reasonable timeframes to get the jobs done. Nobody burnt out is productive.
6. Relationships are vital to personal well-being. Schedule time to engage in activities that keep you socially interactive with friends, family and your community.
7. Unplug and recharge with regular breaks from technology and the constant stimulation of the digital world. Find a good book, take more walks around your neighborhood and learn self-hypnosis to help you recharge and find balance.
Finding balance is a personal journey, and it will likely include steps forward and backwards. Be patient, making adjustments along the way, to ensure that your productivity and personal well-being are given the attention they deserve.
If you want to listen to this as a podcast, here’s the link!
Thanks for visiting! I’m Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience I am a perception analyst & hypnotherapist who works with private clients to help increase their awareness of how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. Book an appointment here.
I share inspiring and actionable ideas for free via my podcast, on my website: DianGriesel.com and also on my social media accounts which you might like to follow.
