Unspoken Deadlines
It is difficult to achieve anything in life out of a place of anxiety. The secret is to be centered, focused and peaceful when executing absolutely anything. Quality of work matters. What I am noticing instead is a constant rush and hustle to get things done. Mentally it’s exhausting. Statistically, those aged 18-33 have the highest stress levels.
It is extremely difficult for Gen Z because the pressure from society and culture is at its high. Humans aren’t designed to watch, listen and consume tons of information. New York Times wrote, “the average American consumes about 34 gigabytes of data and information each day — an increase of about 350 percent over nearly three decades”.
Our mental hard drive is overloaded, to say the least. Gen Z is rushed to accomplish every career and personal goal at an exponential rate. The beauty is in the process. Valuable lessons are learned during the journey. Sometimes the best thing we can do is be still and silent to recharge and refresh.
If we recognize we do NOT need to accomplish goals based on society’s non-verbal set deadlines, we will be a lot more happier, hopeful and peaceful. The natural pull to compare will be canceled out. There is no deadline of when you should finish your Bachelor’s Degree. You do not need to be “settled down” and married by a certain age. You are free to accomplish everything you set your mind to at your desired pace. This is important and this is what I fight for in every stage of my life.
My 20s have been draining and difficult at moments simply because I was subconsciously overloaded with information and cultural expectations. I am a high-performer and hold myself at high regard. I expect a lot from myself, but that is because I strive to build a mindset of an Olympic athlete. I focus on having a daily morning routine and saying no to what will not bring me value. I do not discourage people from living whatever life they want to live, but having goals and taking baby steps every day toward them is essential. Being challenged and pushing yourself is healthy. What is unhealthy is feeling pressured and tensed up because you did not meet a so-called deadline.
What a relief when a friend last year, who also coached me at the moment, said — Kristina, your 20s are given to figure out who you are, not actually have it all together.
I felt a load off my shoulders, and I began to breath at a different rhythm.
I want to release this because I know there’s got to be at least one person in this world who hustles and rushes and gets little done. It’s not needed. It’s unnecessary. Take it slower, at a pace suitable for you, and watch life unfold in a beautiful way.
Be encouraged and have the best weekend! You owe it to yourself.
