Ever heard about Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs? Well, I believe this should be the starting point in this quest.
Maslow's Hierarchy/ Pyramid of Needs is a theory proposed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in his paper “A Theory of Human Motivation,” published in 1943. According to Maslow, we strive to fulfill each level of needs in a progressive manner, starting from the basic physiological needs and ascending to higher-level needs such as self-actualization, with possible fluctuations depending on our circumstances.
Now that we have acknowledged how privileged we actually are, we can dive into this conversation.
Passion Isn’t the Problem
Have you ever been so deeply immersed in your work that you start getting upset about sleep, personal relationships, and even your own physiological needs? I know very well how this ends.
Your energy, excitement, and creativity, are slowly replaced by overwhelm, anxiety, fatigue, loss of relationships, and a very narrow life. And maybe your loved ones haven’t said it yet, but it is so hard to spend time with you - you lack any other interests beyond work.
It took me a really long time to realize that the reason I would unconsciously give all in to work at the expense of everything else has never been about how passionate I am about my work, but rather a complete misalignment with my core values.
It was hard to admit but for me, values such as freedom, dependability, legacy, and personal development simply outweighed all the other ones, and until you are aware of the fundamental beliefs that motivate your actions, nothing will truly change.
Embrace Timing
“Work-life balance”. Despiting supporting it before, all my attempts to implement it simply showed me how unpractical it is. Instead, I believe in the notion of seasons and different priorities at different stages of our lives. It's about recognizing that certain periods may require more attention to family, health, or work, and accepting that it's okay to prioritize accordingly.
Rather than balancing, focus on juggling.
“Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you’re keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls—family, health, friends, integrity—are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered.” ― Gary Keller
Set Boundaries
This is about organizing your routine and choosing what you want to spend time on. However, be careful. While boundaries are necessary, establish them responsibly. We must fulfill commitments before seeking personal time, ensuring that our actions align with our core values and priorities.
Be Interesting
Guess what makes you an interesting person and a more pleasant company? Interests.
Embrace your free time and explore new hobbies without guilt. They provide a much-needed respite from work, allowing us to unwind, recharge, and gain fresh perspectives. Moreover, hobbies can surprisingly enhance our professional lives by fostering creativity, boosting problem-solving skills, and offering fresh perspectives.
Here are some hobby ideas:
In a world where work can easily consume our lives, it's essential to take a step back, reassess our priorities, and align our values with our goals. By embracing self-realization, setting responsible boundaries, and nurturing our personal interests, we can find the right blend between all aspects of our lives.
What’s your favorite hobby? I would love to hear in the comments section below.
Reference(s):
Keller, G., & Papasan, J. (2013). The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results. Bard Press.
American Psychological Association. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Retrieved from www.psycnet.apa.org/record/1943-03751-001
Stew’s Letter. (2020, January 27). Nobel prize winners are much more likely to have hobbies compared to their peers. Retrieved from www.stewfortier.com/p/hobbies-are-not-distractions
Kize Bae. (2021, April 24). 50 Popular Hobbies to Start Today [Video]. YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW3ORzaRXt8
Tim Ferris. (2008, January 16). 5 Boundary-Setting Tips for the Work Obsessed. Retrieved from www.tim.blog/2008/01/16/5-boundary-setting-tips-for-the-work-obsessed
Simon Sinek. (2021, June 30). The RIGHT Way to Do Work-Life Balance | Simon Sinek [Video]. YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0yxJH2i0DE
Prince Ea. (2019, June 10). STOP wasting your LIFE (2023) [Video]. YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2NDQOgGycg