It’s no surprise that the U.S. is considered a fast-paced society, as our individual values tend to be tied to our efficiency. With such a common narrative, it’s easy for some of us to start feeling like we’re not doing enough, but this mindset is neither healthy nor realistic.
Humans are naturally driven creatures, as we enjoy doing things that we find important or fascinating, but capitalism ensures that the joy of our hobbies or habits have been replaced with their potential for monetary results. People are struggling to enjoy the small things in life because we’re so busy trying to make enough money to survive.
These moments where we’re trying to stay on top of everything while keeping up with society result in many people, myself included, feeling like we’re falling behind. I sometimes feel as though I watch people go at the speed that’s expected and see their silhouette get smaller and smaller in the distance.
It’s so easy to feel like you’re not doing as much as you can be, and with society’s expectations, people start feeling bad about themselves, labeling their own habits as “lazy,” “unproductive” and “distracted.” But this is simply a natural reaction to the circumstances we’re expected to face on a daily basis.
The reality is that so many of us are trying to balance everything we need to, and yet we’re surprised by our limits as humans. There is no way to give one hundred percent of our effort to everything all the time. Such unnatural drives result in burnout and mental overloads, which will only leave you feeling worse and further behind.
We should be doing our best, of course, but this doesn’t look like how America has tried to make it appear. It isn’t bringing your absolute best every second of every day; rather, it’s about showing up in the best way you can, regardless of how that expresses itself based on your own needs.
Our culture is so reliant on people’s productivity, leading to some feeling exploited and self-conscious. As someone who is in school full-time, has two jobs, and helps to support my family all on top of my blood disorder, giving my best effort to everything is impossible. I’ve stopped expecting that from myself. My best effort doesn’t look like the person’s next to me since everyone has different abilities, so comparing myself to them is futile.
All of us have different daily struggles where conquering day-to-day life gets exhausting, and it’s unfair to force yourself to be on your A-game all the time. Rest is just as productive as actively working, and it’s better if we all realize that we can handle slowing down a little bit.
You won’t always be on top of your school, work, responsibilities in all the ways you wish you could be, but having the grace to understand that is the most important. Humans today seem to lack self-compassion, and just as we wouldn’t want our friends to be so high-strung all the time, we should want the same for ourselves.
America depends on us being overworked, tired and drained, but by simply allowing ourselves to slow down and exist with intention, we will find more fulfillment in our personal lives. You don’t have to turn in your best work every day, but by bringing your best self, your day will become much better than if you pushed yourself through something you simply don’t have the energy for.
So, as we approach the final month of the semester, please make sure you all take care of yourself in the weeks to come. Take your time, get some rest and be kinder to yourself. You don’t have to achieve every single one of your tasks to feel proud of yourself.
