Q: I am 27 years old but I feel 72. This drastic self-labelling is because of my current work and financial burdens. I feel a person of my age should not be in such circumstances. I have to work long hours, shoulder heavy responsibilities, pay for house mortgages, car instalments, lifestyle expenses and many other burdens.
Although I am one of the youngest CEOs in the marketplace who is the envy of many people, I do not feel proud of it as it comes with so many challenges. If I could live my life again, this will be the last thing I want. A simpler life will be much better. What do you think of my situation? How can I make a U-turn in my life now?
A: In my view, you are an ambitious person who wants things in a hurry, to show the world how well you have succeeded. I am glad you now realise that it does not always pay when you rush things a little too fast for yourself. Indeed, growing up too fast and taking on too many commitments early in your life takes away the joy of living.
At the end of one’s life, it is not about celebrating how much you have made (or left behind), how many gated communities you have lived in or how many cars you have driven. Ultimately, it is happiness that rules at the end of one’s life!
There is no need to make quick drastic changes to your life until you have done a thorough assessment of what matters most to you. The key thing is to be modestly ambitious and yet be realistic about your means and resources. If your career is important (and rightfully so too), then go for it, but define your limits on what you are prepared to do for it.
Also, look at the other aspects of your life as well. For example, does your personal development and community service matter to you? If yes, change a part of your lifestyle to accommodate this. After doing this, ask yourself whether your current financial obligations can fit into your life now. If yes, go ahead with whatever you are doing. But if not, then rationalise this, by paying attention to other more critical ones. Just do what is needed to put order in your life again.
POWERFUL QUESTIONS
- At this point in your life, which aspects of it do you want fulfilled?
- What are you prepared to do to attain this?
- What are you prepared to give up for this?
- What means do you have to make this happen?
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