You’re a driven professional striving to excel in your career while also craving a sense of balance and wellbeing. You push yourself to achieve, set high expectations, and sometimes find yourself caught in a whirlwind of worry and overthinking. You want to be your best and do your best, but balancing ambition. and self care (i.e. the the demands of doing great work and feeling good) often feels like a tightrope walk.
The pressure to be busy and productive all the time can be overwhelming, making it hard to find time for self care or even recognise its importance. You may find yourself wondering how to integrate self care into your day or life when every moment feels accounted for, and the idea of slowing down seems counterintuitive to your ambitious nature. Yet, without it, stress builds, and your overall wellbeing suffers, leaving you feeling exhausted, depleted and struggling to do anything at all!
So, how can you harmonise ambition and self care—two seemingly conflicting pursuits?
First off, let’s debunk a common myth: the idea that relentless ambition and self-care are mutually exclusive. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you must choose one over the other. Research shows that not only can they co-exist, but they can also enhance each other when managed correctly.
Ambition is a powerful motivator. It propels us to set goals, strive for excellence, and push beyond our limits. However, unchecked ambition can lead to burnout, stress, and a host of other negative outcomes. The key isn’t to dampen your ambition but to channel it in a way that supports your overall wellbeing.
Self care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days—though those can be wonderful. True self care involves practices that maintain and nourish your wellbeing. This might include a massage or a drink with the girls, but might also include being aware of (and working through) your thoughts, your attitude(s), and your limiting beliefs
Here are ten tips for balancing ambition and self care:
Redefine success: It's time to rethink what success looks like for you. Ambition doesn’t have to mean working 24/7. Success can include achieving career goals while also having time for relaxation and joy. Reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your personal and professional goals and ambitions?. Revisit and adjust your definition of success regularly.
Take micro self care moments: You might not have time for an hour-long yoga session, but you can squeeze in micro self care moments throughout your day. Take 5-minute breaks every hour to stretch, breathe deeply, or listen to music. Set a timer, or keep a little checklist to remind you to move regularly.
Outsource where possible: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks at work and at home to free up time for self care. Identify tasks that can be done by someone else, such as cleaning, grocery shopping, or certain work projects. You might consider outsourcing platforms or ask for help from colleagues and family.
Embrace imperfection: Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to self care. Accept that not everything has to be perfect. Practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that done is better than perfect. Keep a journal where you celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge the effort rather than the outcome.
Leverage technology: Use technology to your advantage to streamline tasks and create more time for yourself. Use productivity tools to manage tasks efficiently. Set up automation for routine tasks, like bill payments or email sorting.
Create a 'no' list: Knowing what to say no to is as important as knowing what to say yes to. Create a list of things you will not do to protect your time and energy. Identify activities and commitments that drain you. Practice saying no assertively but kindly. Write down your priorities to stay focused on what truly matters.
Set non-negotiables: Identify a few self care activities that are non-negotiable, no matter how busy you are. Choose two or three activities that recharge you, like a daily walk or a weekly phone call with a friend. Schedule them into your calendar and treat them as sacred appointments.
Practise mindfulness “on the go”. Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a sit-down activity. Incorporate it into your daily routines like brushing your teeth, making a coffee, waiting for the computer to switch on.
Limit information overload: Constant information and news can be overwhelming and stressful. Set specific times to check emails and news. Use tools to declutter your inbox. Turn off non-essential notifications on your phone.
Celebrate small wins: Don’t wait for big achievements to celebrate. Recognise and reward small steps along the way. Keep a daily or weekly log of small wins and reflect on them. Share your wins with a friend or mentor. Treat yourself to small rewards, like a massage or a short break.
You can balance ambition and self care— but it needs to be approached thoughtfully. It’s about finding the right balance and being mindful of your needs. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a hindrance to your ambition—it’s an essential part of achieving it.
So, next time you find yourself teetering on the edge of overwhelm, stress and burnout, remind yourself that self care is your secret weapon. Embrace it, prioritise it, and watch as it fuels your journey to greatness.
You've got this!
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