No matter who you are or what you do professionally, it always seems that this time of year is when people are extremely busy and ready to give up. But this article isn’t about time management. Instead, it’s about encouraging those who are nearing a breaking point to shift their perspective. I think I started truly understanding the concept of perspective once I started receiving rejection. How you perceive rejection can dictate the course you take from there on out.
Perspective is the ability to say and understand that no matter what I’m going through right now, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the ability to train your mind towards always thinking about the positive outcome, as opposed to focusing on the potentially negative position or situation you are currently in. Is the glass half empty or half full?
No matter what is on your plate, you have to have the understanding that because I am doing what I’m doing right now, I will never have to live this very struggle again. No, you may not able to go on every outing, or have oodles of free time, but that’s ok because you’re working on you, for you.
However, alongside perspective is realism and the ability to put on your plate only what is necessary. There will come a point when you realize that if an opportunity does not align with your end game, then you shouldn’t do it. Not because you’re being “bougie” and “feeling yourself,” but because you understand your bandwidth and limitations.
When you’re going through high-pressured times, do not forget about your support system. Positive energy is so incredibly important when you’re juggling a lot. I remember Taraji P. Henson mentioning in an interview that negative energy is like a dark cloud, and that one day it’s going to rain on you.
There are people who like to suck up your time and your energy. When you’re in full swing, this just isn’t conducive to you or your end game. Remind people of what’s on your plate and that you won’t have the usual amount of time for them. If they don’t understand, then unfortunately, you might have to move around. However, lean on your support system to comfort you during this time. Vent to them, bounce ideas off of them, ask them for help and let them heal you.
READ: Do-It-Yourself Therapy: 10 Practices For Self Care
Finally, take care of yourself. This is a concept so simple, yet so forgotten in the midst of everything else. If it helps, remind yourself that you can’t work if you don’t work.
Just remember, you’re not alone. Focus on changing your perspective when times get rough, lean on your support system and take care of yourself! I’m sure you will thank yourself years from now for the work you’re putting in today.