When did we ever begin to accept that corrupt notion that
hustling to please is praiseworthy? You know what I’m talking about – that
asinine belief that the most noteworthy folks are the ones that work late and
bear endless stories of being martyrs for their jobs.
I bought into that lie. Each time I stopped myself from
working later or pushing longer, I let the menacing thoughts creep in – You must lack real determination. If you
knew how to persevere, you’d see things through. Stop copping out. Quit
idealizing.
I never really openly referenced those thoughts. I’m not
sure I even realized they existed, but the fact that they subconsciously sunk
in is undeniable given the shame that took control.
A couple days ago, something new took hold though – a
glimpse at the other side of the picture. A realization dawned – I don’t say no
to the hustle due to a lack of perseverance. In actuality, it’s a decision to stand by the values I hold dear. It takes a heck of a lot of determination to
quiet the achievement-obsessed, fear-driven thoughts running rampant in my
mind. True discipline is required to defy those powerful threats to my personal
value for balanced living and healthy well-being.
See, the truth is far different from the one our world likes
to feed us. It takes far greater strength to uphold your core values than it
does to give in and hustle to please the masses. When you recognize your
inherent worth and the matchless significance of your driving values though,
you’re freed from the need to exist in constant overdrive.
