On a conceptual level, everyone knows there is more to life than work. But you wouldn’t always know it by people’s actions. Especially at the top of the year.
Even someone with the most well-rounded New Year’s resolutions can forget about the need for a holistic life once they find themselves back in the rat race. Because if you find yourself behind in the race, you push to catch up with the pack. If you find yourself in the middle of the pack, you grind to try and get ahead. And if you find yourself in the lead, you lock in to keep your position.
The problem is, the rat race doesn’t have a finish line—it doesn’t end. And when you’re always racing, it can be tough to remember there is more to life than the relentless sprint. But there is.
Here’s a simple way to keep things in perspective.
Ask yourself why you’re running—remember your destination
The rat race is a tiresome, unforgiving, constant slough that regularly pushes runners to the brink. With this, it’s not often that someone races for the joy of it. In most instances, people are running because doing so is a means to an end. Because running will take them from point A to point B.
This destination they’re running for might be early retirement or becoming debt free. It might be buying a family home or otherwise helping care for loved ones who need the support. But everyone has a reason for being in the rate race. Everyone has a why.
If you’re not sure what your why is, ask yourself. And when you forget the answer in the middle of the race, ask yourself again. In so doing, you’ll remind yourself that there is more to life than work. That work is merely a means to experiencing the more in life.
But don’t stop at simply knowing there is more to life. Make sure you actually experience the fruits of your labor. Allow yourself to take a break from the rat race and refuel—not just with physical rest, but with action across other activities, be it going to an amusement park with friends or building LEGOs with family. There is more to life than work, but only if you take the time to live.
About the Author
