It is a mystery why we expect so much of ourselves. It is
awesome to have lofty goals but when we expect to accomplish more than what
even two people are capable of accomplishing, it is time to release some of the
burden. Our own goals are so much higher than any expectations others have for
us. The trouble is we fault ourselves when we fail to meet all of our
challenges. We also run the risk of becoming so defeated that we give up and
stop any attempts to achieve any goals.
We are
our own worst enemy. It is time to settle down and accomplish what we can
accomplish and let go of what is impossible to do. It is always commendable to
work for the highest goal but if we fall short of it we need to promise that we
won’t punish ourselves with Self-reproach. Guilt is a great reducer of energy,
and self-esteem. Other people in our lives suppose we can solve dilemmas. Our
children expect us to endlessly help them and to do it with a smile. It might
even be at the loss of our own free time. Parents wait for us to take care of
some of their difficulties. Sometimes the timing is all wrong but of course aging
parents do not always take that as a good excuse. Elderly parents have more time on their hands
to think about their difficulties and tasks that require attendance. The
problem is we are the ones that must pay attention to such complications.
If we are
aware of how much attention we place on the troubles of other people we realize
that just maybe we are not so bad. We care about helping others who are
struggling. We place the needs of our family and extended family before our
own. We are good people. It is not the end of the world to put off a task that
appears to be too much for us to handle at the moment. If we approach that same
task when we are spilling over with more enthusiasm, we will manage to get it
accomplished in record speed. Performing our duties when we are too tired to
take them on is asking for trouble. In the end we will use up the little energy
we have and most likely perform a shoddy job because we are tired and our heart
and mind are not attuned to the task.
Many
times work places pressures on us to accomplish work that may be impossible to
complete in the given timeframe. People in charge have no idea the amount of
time a particular task might take to complete. Their goal is to badger us into
working beyond our time to finish the task as fast as we can. They are happy
the task got done while we feel defeated because we didn’t finish in the time allotted.
We probably completed the job in record time. We are unaware of this fact so it
overshadows our pride in our performance. Again we are stressed and depressed as
well as of the opinion we did not meet expectations.
The more
we focus on how little we think we are accomplishing, the less we get done. It
is truly up to us to b become aware of our work ethic and be more reasonable with
ourselves. We can have a bad, sick or mental health day. If we must put
something or someone off until a time in the future so be it. The more we take
our duties in stride the more confidence we will have in our abilities and the
less scattered we will be.
The
burden of never being good enough can drive a person into a health risk. We can
believe we are too stupid to accomplish what is required. Our thoughts turn to
if only I were smarter or more educated or had more money or a different job.
If we don’t change our attitude then it really doesn’t matter if we are
brighter, more educated, and richer or had a better job. The outcome is the
same. Changing our attitude along with our expectations allows us more freedom
and fewer burdens. If we lose our health, we can’t do anything for anyone. Our
goal needs to be to help others yes but within parameters. Expect to do and
give our best but have guidelines. Let negative comments from others roll off
of our shoulders. Keep our goal in site but rest when we must. Become the boss
of ourselves. Give but measure the amount we are capable of giving at any given
moment. Throw guilt out the window and never ever doubt yourself. Trust yourself
and your inner feelings. In the end you will achieve fulfillment for yourself
and others.
