Do you want to win now or win later?

You can’t have both.

Some years ago, I spent all of my time pushing, pushing, pushing while I tried to get everything perfect at work and life.

I wanted to WIN…no matter the cost. Be the best parent, the best partner at home, and the best leader of my team.

And eventually, I broke.

During my recovery, my psychologist used the analogy of an athlete that overtrains, gets injured and can’t compete and when the time comes for the actual race.

“Rest is crucial for top athletes, and for top performers in any field,” she told me. “You have to ask yourself when you are pushing your limits too far: ‘Do I want to win now (meaning this practice round) or later (meaning the competition)?’”

I realized at that moment that everything we do in life is practice and that if I wanted to ‘win’ the REAL race - life - I needed to remember to rest.

So, I turned it upside down.

I now prioritize my own physical and mental health rest first and then exertion - work - second.

What are some things you do to put yourself first?

‍