In today's fast-paced world, success often becomes synonymous with a ceaseless hustle, an endless checklist of to-dos that promise to usher us closer to our goals. But at what cost? A recent revelation—right at the intersection of possibility and plausibility—shed some much-needed light on my approach to work, stress, and personal joy.
While innovating and pushing boundaries is exhilarating, an essential lesson learned from both personal experience and collective wisdom is this: just because we can do something, doesn't mean we should. This idea has been a game-changer for me.
At a certain point in my career, I was riding the high wave of success, driving myself to aim higher, until the inevitable burnout hit me. It was then, amidst the exhaustion, that a simple phrase emerged as my mantra—"Possible vs Plausible." This phrase served as a reminder that if the cost outweighs the benefit, if the strain surpasses the joy, the venture may not be worth pursuing.
The Wisdom of Steve Jobs
The late Steve Jobs encapsulated this philosophy when he underlined the essence of focus by embracing the power of "No". He famously said, "Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do." This powerful quote echoes the sentiment that selecting the paths we decline is as vital as those we tread.
With 46% of all stress being traced back to workload according to the American Institute of Stress, reevaluating our priorities isn't just a pleasant concept—it's a necessary step towards health and happiness.
Choosing Joy Over Stress
In the spirit of reorientation, I decided to take a leaf out of Jobs' playbook. I focused on ideas and activities that sparked excitement and joy, releasing the grip on what didn’t resonate as strongly. All options on the table were good, but not all were plausible, especially when joy is the measure.
The verdict? I’m proud. Proud of choosing focus over fragmentation, joy over the jarring demand of doing it all. It's a major shift, but one that has done wonders for my stress levels and sense of accomplishment.
A Prompt for Reflection
As you read this, I encourage you to reflect on your current projects and commitments. Are you stretching yourself too thin chasing what's possible at the expense of what's plausible? It might be time to refine your focus.
Remember, sometimes the projects we turn down define our paths just as much as those we take on.
I made my choice to focus on joy. Now I ask, how about you?
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