How to Stop Putting So Much Pressure On Yourself to Succeed

the lesson of labor day weekend.

Over Labor Day weekend, I met a friend in Fort Greene park to catch up, spend time in nature, and soak up the last few rays of August sunshine. 

It was one of those get togethers where we talked about everything. Some topics were planned, some evolved and morphed into an entirely new discussion. It was long overdue, and it felt so good to reconnect. 

One topic that we found ourselves on (and I have no recollection of how we got there, either) was focused on the mindset of play. 

Meaning, 

How can we approach our daily to-do’s, our goals, and our aspirations with less of a firm, controlling grip?

How can we soften a bit and infuse more trust into our frame of thinking? 

What would happen if we simply created more space rather than tried to fill up every moment of our days?

What if we approached and thought about the tasks at hand as if they were fun?

And then, yesterday morning, I came across an article in the WSJ titled, To Really Learn, Our Children Need the Power of Play. Inside, it explains Finland’s approach to education, which emphasizes FUN. Giving children the time and space to dream, play, and explore. Let it be known, friends–– Finland’s education system is “ranked as #1 in the world for childhood education by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Economic Forum and Unicef—a system built in large part on research pioneered (and increasingly ignored) in the U.S.”

(^^ No big deal.)

As I neared the end of the article, I paused. Looked up, and to no one in particular said aloud, “Okay, message received.”

Mindset of Play and me? We’re Old friends.

Truth? I’d thought about this approach before. Heard about it, liked it, and decided to apply it. 

That lasted for a little while...

...and somewhere along the way I fell back into my old routine: 

Do more = achieve more.

I know this conversation (and the article shortly thereafter) came up because it was time for me to hear it again. To recommit, despite the “back to reality” season upon us, to not take things *so* seriously.

Because the truth is, every time I give myself and things space to unfold, they do. In fact, they turn out better than if I obsess, cling to an outcome, or push myself past my limits.

Plus, I’m in a better place throughout the process — mentally, and emotionally.

We’re in this together.

I’m sharing this with all of you in hopes that it resonates. That you can learn from my own “aha” moment and apply it to your life as you see fit. 

I’m also sharing it to remind you that mindset work is ongoing. As is the consistent commitment to taking the necessary steps to be the leader of your life. 

To not fall victim to your circumstances…

“I have to get this promotion”, or 

“I’m ready to take my side hustle to the next level, but I have no time”, or 

“I want to find new partnerships to grow my business, but how do I make new connections?” 

…and optimize the way you navigate your life.

Because if you change the way you approach and think about your circumstances, they can and will change.

Curious about a mindset of play and how to infuse it into your life? Let’s chat! Comment below or send me an email at sofia@sofiaadler.com