I have always been proud of my exceptional skill in managing and thriving in times of change. And, in that it is easy to forget how challenging it truly can be for most.
Life, as chaotic and fast-paced as it feels, was never meant to be this rushed. Yet here we are – living through a constant blur of to-do lists, never-ending meetings, tight deadlines, and what can often feel like unobtainable expectations.
In a world that thrives on the idea of hustle culture where every person is expected to find the time to have hobbies or money-generating side jobs, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of work, family commitments, and the pressures of constant change.
One can find himself or herself desperately trying to keep up, like we are all running in a race with no finish line in sight.
From sunrise to sunset, the world is always on. Technology has made sure of that. Emails don’t wait until office hours, messages ding every few minutes, demanding our attention and in this constant need for validation, likes and attention we dare not switch off those phones.
I always admired the traditionalist notion of no phones at the dinner table. Borne of course in a different time outside of knowing the convenience of what cellphones bring to the proverbial table today.
But in that very convenience, gone are the days of clear-cut work hours, where there was a distinct boundary between personal time and professional life. Whether it’s taking a call while out or replying to an urgent text after hours, there’s always something that needs to be done. And this “always-on” mentality, while giving us the illusion of productivity, is a silent killer of our well being. But this is not about technology, or cellphones. It is about the constant seeking of approval in a time where we believe productivity beyond the expected has become an accepted norm in a bid to secure what seems to be fragile and sacred.
The speed at which the world shifts can be exhilarating, but it also creates a sense of unease. Constantly re-evaluating where we fit in, trying to stay relevant, trying to keep up. There is an unspoken pressure to adapt, to grow, and to do it all quickly.
I have never truly understood the saying “the rat-race called life” more than in 2025. With only a few days into the third month, it honestly seems like its been five years wrapped into around 60 days.
But here’s the truth we rarely speak about: This constant change, this hustle, this relentless push forward, isn’t sustainable. We are human beings, not machines. We are not meant to run on empty, nor are we built to handle stress and change at this pace indefinitely. Eventually, we burn out.
The solution – I have come to understand – is more fluid. It’s about finding moments of release – breathing spaces where we can pause, reflect, and recharge. In a world that demands constant motion, we need to carve out time to simply be still. I have found this most difficult – giving myself permission to just be.
And while it seems like we are in constant competition with some next thing, life is not a race – it’s a journey.
