Have you ever had that “Gaahh!” feeling? Like there’s too much on your plate, your brain is frozen, and you’ll tip over the edge if someone asks you to do one more thing?
If so, you’re not alone. Life feels overwhelming at times. Each day can pass in a flurry of activity without ever feeling like you’re getting things done. With so much left to do, you’re not sure how you’ll get through the day, week, month, or year.…
I’m struck by how often people tell me they’re unhappy. We live in one of the most prosperous times in history, yet when I talk to people about what’s missing from their lives, most answers boil down to this: “I want to be happy.”
Which implies people don’t feel happy now.
As a society, we have more possessions, opportunities, and access to more resources than ever before.…
Most people believe that aiming for perfection is a good thing. But it can be a dangerous compulsion.
In our success-driven society, being perfect is the ultimate goal. The traits of perfectionism — constant striving, attention to detail, high standards, commitment to results, direction, hard work, achievement, planning and preparation — are highly praised and admired.
However, ask a perfectionist what his or her life is really like and the response is stark:
Perfectionism, when taken to its extreme, has negative consequences.…
I caught up with an old friend recently. When I asked how she was, she replied “Busy!” — as if I was interested in her to-do list rather than how she was feeling.
Her response isn’t unusual. Many of us answer that question with “Busy!” before listing all the things we’re doing, our partners are doing, or our kids are doing.…
