Change only comes after you realize you're miserable in your current state.
Not exhausted. Not in need of a break. That's a state of burnout. It requires stepping back, reevaluating priorities, resting and reenergizing.
I'm talking about being so miserable that the morning alarm triggers your anxiety for the day, you think of excuses to call in sick everyday and drag your feet to work.
Something needs to change.
- Perhaps you need to change your role or join a different company. Maybe you're gravitating towards a different field of work.
- You may be lacking a gratitude mindset. Sometimes the work becomes mundane. So a personal project, weekend activity or a vacation is something we use to look forward to. But when those are no longer possible, we get use to blaming our job for our unhappiness.
- You may want to do something completely different and this fulltime duty is holding you back. Start a business, explore a hobby, spend more time with your kids, go back to school, change careers etc. This requires a lot of planning and the weight of these pending ideals start to take a toll on your mental health.
What's the point?
Motivational posts for the new year can sometimes make you feel like you're failing.
Truth is, not everyone has the privilege to take action at the very time they recognize this need for change. You may have bought a house, had a child, have student debt or you're responsible for others.
The key is to recognize the state you're in. Does it require change in direction or just mindset?
Taking baby steps towards the ideal situation is all that's needed until the time is right to take the leap. Those years will be frustrating.
Building willpower is tough. If you recognize the go-getter attitude in yourself, honor it.
Accepting reality (need for change) takes courage. Sometimes painting an ideal situation in our minds is all that's needed to build confidence in taking baby steps. You're not failing. If you're focused in the right direction, you'll know when you need to sprint.
Shop Islamic Art that is inspired by the story of Ali (RA) and Fatima (RA): Gratitude
