Exhausted is an experience that is common to many of us, perhaps more so with those who have leadership responsibilities. Why is it that we seem to spend so much of our life being exhausted?
Life is demanding. Certainly there is much to get done. Surely we have to keep up, or we’ll be left behind . . . or so we think.
In our effort to keep up, we become exhausted, not enjoying the journey but only trying to achieve goals. Yet too often when we achieve a goal, we end up unfulfilled; so we take on more in pursuit of other elusive goals, all the while becoming more exhausted in the process.
Many of us live our lives in this rather vicious cycle of achievement, lack of fulfillment, and increased effort in pursuit of fulfillment. The end result is exhaustion.
Can you live life without the experience of being constantly exhausted? I don’t know that there is a secret formula to end exhaustion in life. But I do know there are some intentional things you can do to restore a more evenly paced life while enjoying the journey.
First, learn to live in your reality without comparing yourself to others. You are unique; therefore take the time to embrace your own reality rather than comparing yourself to others.
Before you start wanting and wishing for more, start with accepting what you have and be thankful. After accepting with gratitude what you have, ask yourself, “What do I need for my circumstance?” This should not be what others have or what others think of you, but an honest appraisal of what you need in your present reality.
Another way to intentionally seek to avoid exhaustion is to avoid doing things out of guilt. There are others who will try to make us feel guilty for not doing what they want us to do. Be aware of those who will pressure you to do things with total disregard for you, your values or your boundaries.
Many of us become overworked and exhausted by taking on too much out of guilt. Our plate is already full and we allow others to guilt us into doing more. You need to be able to say no without feeling guilty.
A third tactic to avoid a constant state of exhaustion is to build up your resilience. This is done by taking care of yourself. Eat well, exercise and get sufficient sleep. When you are feeling good physically, it affects how you feel and how you process your thoughts.
When you develop resilience you are more likely to make wise, heathy decisions, which in turn help you avoid becoming exhausted.
Do not allow your life to be controlled by a constant state of exhaustion. Decide from today that you will live in your reality, you will no longer do things out of a sense of guilt and you will seek to build up your resilience.
Life without constant, consuming exhaustion is really up to each of us. Which will it be for you?
Need Help Achieving Your Goals? Join Us Jan. 14
If you’d like us to help you walk through Successful Goal Setting and Achievement, please join us for a four-week seminar on Wednesdays beginning 6:30 p.m. January 14 at Nampa First Church’s Ferdinand Hall. In this seminar you will learn to set achievable goals, understand the obstacles that often get in our way, and receive guidelines for effective decision-making and financial goal-setting.
If you would like help in achieving your goals in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.