Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into common traps when it comes to drive. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Neglecting Work-Life Balance
It’s easy to let drive consume all aspects of life. Actively protect your personal time and relationships to maintain a healthy balance.
Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. This might mean setting specific work hours, turning off notifications outside of those hours, or designating certain days or times as completely work-free.
If you are a hardworking empathic person that gives their all, it will be even more important to take quality downtime for yourself. You need to learn to rest and restore. As humans our ‘tanks’ were not created to run on empty.
Take time to reflect on the good you do in the world every day. Thinking about our first responders, our health care workers and many more. The world is a much better place for having you all around. But there are days you are tasked with the impossible and although you do your very best, you cannot internalize things that are outside your control. Learn to be good to yourself.
Ignoring Physical and Mental Health
Pay attention to warning signs of burnout or stress. Regular check-ins with yourself and potentially a mental health professional can help keep your drive in check.
Learn to recognize the signs of burnout, such as chronic fatigue, irritability, or loss of motivation. If you notice these signs, take immediate action to rebalance your drive and prioritize your well-being.
Comparison Culture
In the age of social media, it’s tempting to measure our drive and success against others. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and comparison often leads to unhealthy levels of drive or demotivation.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress. Keep a journal or log of your achievements, no matter how small.
This can help you appreciate your own growth and maintain a healthy level of drive.
