Self-optimization - curse and blessing
We don't let ourselves down, use every minute of the day for "meaningful" activities and are never satisfied with what we give ourselves. At what point does this lifestyle become unhealthy?
He who rests, rusts
A universally valid life motto - depending on your personality structure.
That can be motivating and demoralizing at the same time. Personally, I am very reluctant to divide the world into good and evil, because everything has at least two sides.
So self-optimization has both in it. It keeps us from falling behind, prolongs our youth and allows us to participate intensively in life. But it can also put us under massive pressure.
I feel it myself when I let myself go and, in whatever way, stray from the path of meaningful activity - sometimes I tend to be very hard on myself in such a case and see the time I have "frittered away" as lost.
I am the one who has always advocated the importance of "fool's box shows" and nose picking in child rearing. I don't begrudge myself that much.
I want to develop, progress, become smarter, more successful, slimmer, and preferably younger, because after all, 60 is the new 40 - that can be exhausting.
Perfectionism?
He can spur us on and bring us to better results, but he is also a merciless judge when it comes to judging them, because he knows no mercy.
Let's not be intimidated by him, let's take his good points and as soon as he belittles and harshly criticizes us, let's refer him to his place in the self-optimization toolbox.
Ways out of the madness
It requires self-discipline, but it can be done. Personally, I'm in the process of breaking it with strict, uncontrolled letting my mind wander at least once a day.
Not picking up the phone at least once a day in a phase of "idle time", listening to lectures that make me smarter on YouTube, intervening in household issues in a regulatory manner or completing other projects.
Once a day I allow my mind to run free, my soul to dangle from the highest trees and my body to do whatever it needs - maybe pick its nose...
I feel the key to the toolbox in my trouser pocket. 💚
