It's old news at this point, but I can't seem to get Simone Biles out of my head, specifically her tweet about finally believing that her achievements do not determine her worth. In many ways, this is counter-cultural. "Hustling" has become almost a moral imperative. Some Silicon Valley execs wear the same clothes everyday or drink the same meal replacement shake everyday to maximize the amount of time and decision-making energy they have to pour into their jobs and increase their economic influence. Busyness has been glorified, and resting shamed.
Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with giving things your best shot, if it's what you want to do. Your job can be a part of your identity, but we should also take time every once in a while and examine how and why we are spending the hours of our lives. Are the activities we choose to do helping us grow? Are we pushing ourselves harder than we need to in order to prove ourselves? Is our sense of self-worth reliant on our contributions to the economy? Let Simone Biles be a gentle reminder that we do not have to sacrifice our health for the sake of approval. She wisely knew her limits, and bravely defended them.
If you like mantras, try "I am so much more than what I do", "I do not have to earn my right to be in this world", or "I am worthy of love, regardless of my achievements".
If you prefer journaling, take a few minutes and answer the following questions:
Do I feel pressure from myself or others to overwork?
Do I feel guilt when I pause to rest or tend to my own needs?
What is one small shift I can make to improve my work-life balance or protect my mental health?