priscillamcintire.com

The pursuit of our goals often takes a great deal of our time and energy. If you have really set your goals seriously, it is likely that you have created in yourself a strong desire for achieving them. If you are anything like me it is sometimes easy to pursue your goals with such enthusiasm that you physically and mentally wear yourself out. This phenomenon is referred to as burn out and it is a common problem for those people who really feel a deep burning passion driving them toward their goals.

Most people know that when working out, we actually tear down our muscles essentially temporarily making them weaker than they were; however, as we rejuvenate our muscles rebuild themselves and… They build them bigger and stronger than they were before the workout. It is during the resting period that we achieve the benefit of our labor.

Taking some time off actually leads us to become more productive. When we are going full steam ahead we often cut ourselves off of our full creative potential. During our resting time we often will find that idea’s just seem to start flowing into our minds without any real effort.

During our recovery time we can also take the time to do some of the things in life that really matter; such as, spending quality time with our loved ones. You can review and reassess your goals and ensure that you are still on the right path. It is unfortunate, but many people are so obsessed with goal achievement that they forget why they have set the goal to begin with. Then when they reach the goal they realize that it’s no longer what they really want because in the process their values and beliefs changed. 

Remember, the reason we set goals is to give us a target and to get us moving in a positive direction, not to lock us into a prison we can’t get out of. As long as we are moving toward our goals we are improving ourselves and our position in life. If in the process you find that you would enjoy something else more then by all means re-evaluate your goals and pursue what will make you happiest. I once heard someone say “It is okay to say no to the good in order to pursue the great!” I have to agree with this statement!

One of the often overlooked reasons for rest and relaxation is the fact that we are wired to move away from pain and toward pleasure! In other words, if we do not give ourselves a break then we will start to sabotage ourselves and our efforts. Our subconscious minds start to say “Hey, wait a minute why am I doing all this work and getting nothing in return?  I WANT TO PLAY!!! I WANT MY REWARD!!!” With no reward in site our mind will say this is to hard. It’s just not worth it. 

Take time out! Enjoy your life! After all is that not the real reason you are setting your goals to begin with? Isn’t your real purpose to gain satisfaction and enjoyment in your life? Why wait? Have fun now and enjoy the process!