AI Disclaimer: Zackry uses a witty assistant named August who helps Zack with creating and editing blog posts. August is an AI language model that Zack designed using OpenAI's API. Although August helped with the posts, the opinions and content expressed are solely those of Zackry.
As someone who has always been driven by the pursuit of achievement and success, I've found it difficult to balance my work and personal life. I've always been the type to find my value and worth in my work, which has led to a lack of balance and a sense of neglect in my relationships.
I know that this is not healthy, but it seems to be a part of my personality. Even when I took a strengths test in college, the results labeled me as an "achiever." From getting gold stars on my homework to leveling up in video games, I love the feeling of accomplishment.
But this love of achievement has come at a great cost. I've poured myself into work, ministry, coding, and martial arts at times at the expense of my health and family. I've been enslaved by the pursuit of success, chasing a high that always seems to be just out of reach.
However, I've come to realize that our achievements will not matter when we're on our deathbeds. In my previous career as a Pastor, I spent many hours hearing people's last words and I can honestly say that their work was not the topic of conversation. Instead, our relationships with our loved ones are what truly matter.
So, I'm taking steps to prioritize my relationships over work. I'm making a conscious effort to spend time with my family, to engage in activities that bring us joy, and to make time for the people I love.
Achieving balance in life is not an easy task, but it's achievable. It begins with acknowledging that work is not the only thing that matters, and that our relationships are just as important - if not more so.
While I will always strive for success and achievement, I now understand that it's not worth sacrificing my health and relationships. When we come to the end of our lives, we will find that the people we love are what truly matter. So, let us prioritize our relationships and cherish the time we have with our loved ones while we can.