Section 1.1: The Need to Always Do More

Do you often find yourself feeling the pressure to achieve more? I certainly did, and I refer to this inner critic as my “inner driver.” This voice would bombard me with thoughts like:

• “You need to keep pushing forward; there’s so much left to accomplish.”
• “You can easily squeeze in another hour of work.”
• “What a brilliant idea! Let’s tackle it right away.”

This inner driver often extends its influence to various aspects of life, including exercise, volunteer work, and social obligations.

Once I began to question this voice, I realized that my desire to constantly do more was rooted in unresolved personal issues. For many, this may stem from a need to prove one’s worth or to seek validation and acceptance through accomplishments.

Additionally, workaholism can sometimes indicate underlying mental health concerns. In her article, “Workaholism: An Overlooked Sign of Mental Illness,” Athena Milios highlights how various mental health issues can push individuals to overwork.

Recognizing this pattern is the first step toward change. Overcommitting rarely leads to inner peace; it typically results in stress, fatigue, and burnout.

You might seek solutions like meditation, but trying to incorporate peaceful activities into an already overwhelming schedule can be challenging. Even if you manage to fit them in occasionally, they likely won’t last.

For instance, when attempting to meditate while grappling with the need to do more, your mind will likely be filled with thoughts of tasks left undone. You might find it hard to stay seated until your meditation time is up, and before long, meditation becomes just another fleeting idea rather than a sustainable practice.

To achieve true inner peace, you must confront and challenge the misconceptions that keep you caught in the cycle of constant productivity. By actively addressing these beliefs, either independently or with the support of a coach or therapist, and by setting boundaries around your workload, you’ll create room for peaceful pursuits in your life.

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Section 1.2: The Dangers of Unrealistic Deadlines

Many individuals have a skewed perception of how long tasks actually take, even for those we’ve completed numerous times. This often results in setting unrealistic deadlines, which can lead to stress, errors, and even disputes with colleagues.

When you habitually set unattainable deadlines, you compromise your own tranquility. However, this pattern can be altered by tracking the actual time required for your regular tasks.

By designating a specific time frame for each task and reviewing your actual completion times over a week, you’ll gain insights into your time management.

For example, I use my iPhone timer to allocate 59 minutes for writing, followed by a break. This practice has helped me understand the true duration needed to complete an article, which often exceeds my initial expectations.

I also incorporate a buffer into my deadlines—anywhere from 15 minutes to a day, depending on task complexity. While this cushion shouldn’t be used carelessly, when utilized wisely, it can help you manage expectations and reduce stress.

You may feel powerless regarding work deadlines, but if a project manager presents you with an unreasonable timeline, don’t hesitate to propose an alternative. While it may not be easy, remember that your peace of mind is paramount.

Setting realistic deadlines is essential for cultivating inner tranquility.

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