It’s evident that maintaining a lifestyle devoid of proper sleep for consecutive days, pushing myself until I experience physical discomfort like headaches and blurred vision, staying up late, and sacrificing any semblance of leisure time is unmistakably unbalanced when considering it on a scale.
Reflecting on the previous semester, I pursued a lifestyle that many might label as “unbalanced,” yet it delivered the outcomes I desired, leaving me content.
There’s a prevalent trend on social media platforms like Instagram, where countless reels emphasize the perils of fervently chasing a goal to the detriment of neglecting other essential facets of life. They advocate for the idea of “balance,” highlighting the potential hazards of disregarding certain aspects of life in pursuit of a singular ambition.
What purpose does balance serve if it doesn’t yield happiness through its outcomes?
Furthermore, the pursuit of this intense focus was temporary, lasting only for a brief span of three weeks, where my vision and efforts were solely fixated on achieving a specific goal.
Reflecting on the narratives of numerous successful individuals and their paths to achievement, I observed a common thread. For instance, Albert Einstein didn’t solely attribute his success to his renowned intelligence quotient but rather to an insatiable curiosity that consumed him entirely, driving his exploration into the complexities of subjects that intrigued him.
I encountered a compelling YouTube video some time ago where a woman shared her strategies for managing multiple responsibilities—juggling med school, marriage, faith, and a career as a content creator—without feeling overwhelmed or on the brink of losing her sanity. She spoke about the concept of “seasons.”
She articulated, “Despite handling a myriad of responsibilities, I prioritize respecting the importance of each specific season.”
She recounted a time when her spiritual connection felt fragile, allocating 90% of her energy towards nurturing it while apportioning the remaining 10% to maintain balance in other areas of her life. Similarly, during her preparation for medical school exams, 90% of her energy was dedicated to studying, attending classes, and focusing on academic pursuits.
This notion of prioritizing “seasons” struck a deeper chord within me than the traditional idea of “balance.”
Understanding the significance of “Seasons over Balance,” to me, suggests that balance implies an equal distribution—like a 50/50 split or a 70/30 ratio. However, to excel and achieve outstanding results, it often necessitates investing double the average effort, pushing towards 100% or, at the very least, nearly doubling the typical results.
James Clear, the esteemed author behind the book I deeply admire, “Atomic Habits,” shared a compelling practice he embraced: committing to publish an article on his website every single day, irrespective of how his day unfolded. Regardless of feeling unwell, fatigue, or even sick of staring at a computer screen, he held himself accountable to produce that article. Picture returning home after an exhausting day at work, craving rest and relaxation, only to remember the obligation to write. Despite being utterly worn out, fingers aching, and brain fatigued, the task remained.
The concept of “balance” implies allowing oneself to succumb to a bad day and miss out on that day’s writing due to not feeling up to it.
I found myself contemplating this deeply, especially on those nights when exhaustion loomed large, tempting me to settle for the minimum required for a ‘C’ grade. It took vocal affirmation that settling for a ‘C’ wasn’t my ambition, compelling me to invest extra hours until I felt confident in my grasp of the material, ensuring it could propel me toward my desired grade.
There exists a particular type of relentless determination necessary for greatness or achieving excellence in any domain. It might involve overriding your emotions to create, exercising despite mental and physical fatigue, investing additional study hours, and perhaps sacrificing sleep over it.
In this pursuit, there comes a point where something has to give.
The outcomes are influenced by the current season of life and the choices made within it.
Consider this analogy: akin to weather conditions dictating the appropriate time for planting crops, attempting success could necessitate aligning efforts with the season. In Nigeria, a farmer would be deemed imprudent to plant crops on the cusp of harmattan season, characterized by strong winds that could destroy fragile seedlings.
What if achieving success demands unwavering commitment and ruthless determination, tailored to the season of pursuit, rather than seeking a “balanced” life?
The question arises: Is attaining balance feasible while striving for one’s highest potential, or does it require an alternative approach?
The belief in achieving one’s highest potential through balance raises a compelling inquiry that challenges conventional notions of success and its attainment.
I’ve come to recognize that the pursuit of success isn’t merely about juggling different aspects of life on a perfectly balanced scale. It’s more about recognizing the seasons of life and aligning our efforts accordingly. Success often demands a focused and determined approach, sometimes requiring us to channel disproportionate energy towards our goals. It’s about understanding that true success might not always fit the traditional notion of ‘balance.’ Instead, it thrives on adaptability, perseverance, and strategic prioritization. Let’s embrace the fluidity of success and navigate its path with purpose and dedication.
absolutely !life has no balance…