I remember in 2013 when I finally reached a global position in the transnational for which I then worked, I forced myself to give everything to live up to what was expected. All emails had to be read and answered, the more I covered the more expectations I fulfilled and I proudly welcomed every project that came up. At that time I was like an octopus drinking and trying to appease everything. But that's what success was all about and going the extra mile, right? Or so he thought...

At first everything was fine but as the years went by and as they say "sooner or later" that life began to take its toll: sleepless nights, chronic fatigue and only rehashed ideas came to me and although nothing was at first glance, I knew deep in my heart that I needed a change that would allow me not only to get out of where I was, but also to progress in vital areas of my life such as health and time with me and my loved ones.

The way to progress in those areas for me important to me was not quantum science, it was simply a matter of choosing to work less and benefiting from that, but that caused the pain of living (at first) with the discomfort of dealing with old judgments that said I wasn't doing my best and would never measure up. Sharp pricks of fear stabbed my nervous system because surely something bad was going to happen in my work if I chose to honor myself and take care of myself.

I was in the learning line for many months. That uncomfortable and sometimes scary space of being in the process of breaking a habit being stuck in it but with the very slight assurance that change is happening.

The smoker who quits smoking but still has cravings will be able to identify himself.

Discomfort and pain are as much a part of change as they are the cement that paves the way for progress.

I share this because people generally think that progressing should feel good, yes and yes but at first it does not. In the beginning not only does it hurt, you are also constantly being invaded by the thought that you are doing something wrong and something scary is going to happen and that's what I want you to normalize that discomfort and pain doesn't mean you are going in the wrong direction.

It's okay that change is hard. We're all in the same boat but if anything works for you, I can vouch for that:

Today I do less and I do it with more intention.

That my value is not based on the number of emails or messages answered.

And I do not find peace when I meet the expectations of others, not even my own. 

My hope is that this will not only help you let go of your recipe book and rules, but also help you be kind to yourself in the discomfort that comes with it.