It’s OK To Do Nothing Sometimes
We live in a world of constant movement.
Whether it’s a new internship, job or project, there is always pressure to perform.
However, sometimes doing nothing is just as important as doing something.
After enrolling at Miami Dade College, I was ready to take over the world. I got ahead in classes as much as possible and enlisted in every club that piqued my interest.
I became part of five different clubs and organizations: The Reporter, student government, debate, the psychology club and model United Nations. At my peak, I held four leadership positions.
My thirst for involvement earned me the respect of my peers. Some even saw me as a role model. That view was far from a reality.
Being involved in everything consumed the time I had for myself. And while I liked the fast-paced life at first, I began to struggle with managing my responsibilities.
The worst part was that when I needed a break I couldn’t take one. As soon as one task was finished, another one popped up in the queue. Eventually, my motivation and work efficiency decreased and it started taking me longer to handle my responsibilities.
I was burning out.
That happens when we don’t balance our life properly.
My mistake was placing my efforts solely into my academics while neglecting my personal life. I naively thought that my initial burst of motivation would carry me through everything.
Realizing this, I started to balance my life again. I prioritized what was important to me. I remain involved in what I’m most passionate about—the newspaper and the psychology club.
This allowed me to give more attention to what remained on my plate while reconnecting with myself. I allowed myself to have days in which I did nothing productive.
I played my favorite video games, exercised and socialized with friends and family. At first it felt wrong, but then my motivation came back.
By doing less, I was able to do more.
I still have responsibilities. On top of taking care of myself and my academics, I will serve as editor-in-chief of The Reporter and president of the Kendall Campus psychology club this upcoming academic year.
The difference now is that I’m aware of my limits and know how much work is too much.
Don’t let the outside pressure get to you. Take a look at your life and assure that you have a healthy balance in your personal and professional life.
Work is important, but so is your well-being.
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