Stop Making Things So Difficult
You’re making things way too hard on yourself.
This is something I’ve heard way too many times through my life. For most of my life it seemed like the only path I knew was the hard way.
Taking the difficult route was easy for me.
Overthink, overcomplicate, over-plan. Question, question more, and still hesitate before taking action. Or — Take action, make some kind of colossal mess or mistake, then waste time cleaning it all up. This was my modus operandi. I practically had an MBA in Grit & Resilience. But it all made me so tired.
I have always asked WHY!??! Then my brain spawns 101 ideas before I’ve even heard an answer.
“Slow Down, Jessica!” is something I’ve also heard a lot. I like to live with gusto, full steam ahead. In 2017 I moved across the country and subsequently had 3 jobs in 3 years and lived 3 different places in that timespan. After? I crashed in my parents’ basement for 10 months. COVID was the obvious reason but I think the other reason is because I had worn myself out driving a 6-speed manual 3 hours a day in Los Angeles for too long.
The problem with living life at 100% 24/7 is the crash-and-burn part.
You know that meme? With the girl lying down on the beach?
yeah, this one.
I swear that could have been a picture of me at any given time in my life. Except — I don’t take naps. Of course not! I have too much living to do!
And I never lived the easy way. Every relationship, job negotiation, and career progression opportunity I overcomplicated. Why accept the status quo when I can challenge it? Fight for myself? Believe in something better?
In case you were still wondering, an idealistic approach to ambition is exhausting.
So, where am I going with all of this? As a millennial child of “Hustle Culture” and “You can do anything you set your mind to” I’m happy to report that I’m resigning.
I think there’s a different way. A few months ago I uncovered a concept of a slightly splendid life — a notion that hasn’t left me.
I’m still figuring out what it means but I think it’s something like being an Ambitious Builder while living an Intentional Life I won’t burn out from.
Because I still believe in working hard. Plugging in to communities I believe in. Championing good people who do good work. Believing in a better world. Fighting for what I’m worth and advocating for systems to treat people fairly.
But sometimes I think it’s okay to take an easy path.
If this resonates please leave a comment or share with a friend.
-with lovingkindness,
Jessica
