I know you. You’re running on the hamster wheel of life. Your feet are moving so quickly while the rest of you tries to keep up. Meanwhile, you don’t have a chance to stop and look around, take it all in, or even catch your breath. The wheel keeps spinning and you CAN’T. GET. OFF.
It’s fine. It’s what you know and your wheel isn’t so bad. Actually, it’s kinda comfy. It’s safe. Everyone else is on the wheel, too, so you must be doing something right…right?
You are. You’re doing a lot of things right because you’re on the wheel! But let’s shift perspective for a moment. What would happen if you jumped off? Maybe you don’t jump, but you slow it down and then gingerly step off.
Look around. Hi there! Things look different don’t they? When the focus of your world isn’t just the wheel, the world looks different. You see things you didn’t, and couldn’t, have seen before.
Think about what it’s like when you go on a vacation. Everything is brighter! Food tastes better! Your pillow feels cushier! You breathe deeper! You like your family more! (No? Just me? Just kidding. Mostly.) Imagine what it would be like to create that for yourself REGULARLY. I’m not suggesting you retire tomorrow. However, imagine what can happen when you create real space in your life to take a pause. A break. Can’t imagine it because you’re skimming this blog without really having the time to focus because you’re running on your little wheel? Ok fine! I’ll tell you what happens.
Ah-ha moments!
But it’s nearly impossible to shift course when you never step away to evaluate other possibilities. You can’t see them!
That’s why stepping off of that hamster wheel is critical to both your personal and professional success (YOUR definition of success!).
I know what you’re thinking…that’s nice but I have hourly requirements to meet, a household to run, kids to schlep, a business to manage and no time for myself.
I hear you. I’ve lived it! I live it now! A break doesn’t have to be a luxurious afternoon at the spa, or a beach vacation. It doesn’t even have to be an hour away from the office. It can be a moment (and not one scrolling your phone or multi-tasking). A few breaths. A few minutes to stop running on the wheel to see where you are in space.
Isn’t a few moments to reflect on what you need next worth it? This is your life we’re talking about, and no one is going to hand you a break, so you’ve gotta find a way to give it to yourself.
When you feel stuck, TAKE A BREAK.
When you feel worn down, TAKE A BREAK.
When you don’t know where to go next, TAKE A BREAK.
When things are going swimmingly, STILL TAKE A BREAK.
Breakthroughs happen when you take a break.