Overworking and Under Living: The Price We Pay for Pursuit of Success!

In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to work harder, do more, and perpetually strive for success often leads us to overwork, overdoing, and, ultimately, under-living. This relentless pursuit of achievement impacts our professional lives and profoundly affects our well-being. It's time to confront this cycle and reclaim our lives.

Understanding the Cost of Overwork

Overworking is more than just spending long hours at your desk; it’s a mindset that convinces us that our worth is tied to our productivity.

“Success is not about climbing the ladder of success; it’s about enjoying your journey.”

When we lose sight of this essential truth, we become trapped in a hamster wheel of tasks and deadlines, neglecting life's joys and fulfillment.

The effects of overworking are detrimental. I witnessed this firsthand with a former colleague. named Ahmed. A bright and dedicated project manager, He consistently put in late hours, believing the only way to succeed in his company was to outpace everyone else. Despite accomplishing significant milestones, he often felt exhausted and isolated. Over time, his health began to deteriorate, leading him to burnout and even a brief hospitalization due to stress-related issues. His experience underscores the crucial realization that the pursuit of endless productivity can lead to a steep cost, and it doesn't just affect the individual.

Setting Boundaries is The First Step Toward Freedom

One of the most effective ways to combat overworking is to establish clear boundaries. This means setting specific work hours and sticking to them, creating a distinction between professional and personal life.

“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”

After a particularly grueling project left Ahmed feeling depleted, he made the courageous decision to set hard deadlines for his workday. he shared his new boundaries with his team, explaining that his focus would be on efficiency during working hours rather than extended hours late into the evening. While it was initially met with resistance from his peers, they soon noticed that his productivity soared, and the team began to mirror his healthier work habits. This change allowed him to reclaim much-needed personal time, and with it, he rediscovered joy outside of work.

Learn the Art of Saying No

Saying no can be incredibly empowering. Far too often, we find ourselves overwhelmed with commitments that do not serve our true purpose or desires. By prioritizing our time and saying no to non-essential tasks, we create space for what truly matters. As Steve Jobs once said, “Focus is about saying no.”

In Ahmed’s case, he realized that by saying yes to every request from his supervisors, he was compromising his own time and self-care. he learned to assess his workload candidly and communicate his capacity effectively. After politely declining a few unnecessary meetings, he found that people respected his decision and began to refer to him for his concentrated expertise on specific topics, making his contributions even more impactful.

Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence

In the business world that constantly urges us to keep doing more, cultivating mindfulness can be transformative. Mindfulness encourages us to live in the present moment, fully engaging with our experiences rather than rushing through life.

Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different.        

Ahmed started incorporating mindfulness practices into his daily routine. He dedicated a few minutes each morning to meditation and regular breaks throughout his day simply to breathe and gather his thoughts. This practice fostered a sense of peace within him and he discovered that by slowing down, he could address problems more creatively and effectively. His improved mental clarity had a ripple effect on his performance and his relationships with his colleagues.

Finding Balance and Rediscovering Passion

Breaking away from overworking also means rediscovering what brings you joy and fulfillment. Pursue hobbies, reconnect with friends, or explore new activities that ignite your passion. The balance we seek is not just about work-life separation but about integrating activities that nourish our spirit.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

After reclaiming his evenings, Ahmed started painting again, a hobby he had abandoned amidst his hectic schedule. He discovered that tapping into his creative side not only enriched his personal life but also inspired greater creativity in his professional work. The key to balance lies in recognizing that both work and play are vital components of a fulfilling life.

Embracing Imperfection and Self-Compassion

Lastly, it’s crucial to embrace the concept of imperfection. We often set unattainable standards for ourselves, leading to a cycle of overdoing and under-living. Embrace self-compassion and acknowledge that it’s okay to have limits.

Thanks for reading. I hope you like it!

Ihab Ibrahim

Strategy Planning and Execution | Operational Excellence | Building PMO & SMO offices | Performance Management | Risk Management |Trainer | Quality Management | Process Re engineering | LEAN manufacturing