It’s Okay if You Achieved Nothing Today

Embracing rest without guilt

Because connectivity is so accessible nowadays, we’re often left comparing our place and pace with others. Try as hard as we might; it’s common to question if we’re falling behind or not doing enough. But rest and self-care are as vital as hard work and progression.

This is your reminder to take a step back from the hustle, take a deep breath or two, and tell yourself it’s okay if you achieved nothing today. What may look like nothing may actually be something, just not how you expected.

Photo by Camille Brodard on Unsplash

When there are days when energy flows throughout your veins, and you’re cranking out work left and right, it feels amazing. But you might be filled with procrastination, hesitation, and fear on other days.

When inspiration is scarce, nothing gets done, leaving you with a bundle of emotions—guilt, anger, and sadness. You might feel guilty for not working hard enough, angry for allowing yourself to procrastinate, and sad because you're not progressing.

What usually results is a vicious cycle where you're constantly doubting your abilities.

We usually set too high expectations. We see what everyone else is doing and want to be in the same space. You see them moving at break-neck speed when they’re really going slower than you are. However, their progress and timeline differ from yours.

It's common to feel overwhelmed at the start of a new endeavor as you try different approaches without seeing much progress. You might have been influenced by others' success stories and tried to replicate their strategies, even if they didn't quite fit your circumstances.

It's important to recognize that what works for one person may not work for another. You’re the only you, so it makes sense to design a life around your values and beliefs, not someone else’s.

It's okay to prioritize your well-being and find what works best for you. Understanding your own limits and capabilities is essential to making progress in your career.

Remember, any effort you make, no matter how small, is a step forward. Don't let negative thoughts hinder your progress. Instead, focus on the positive steps you're taking toward your goals.

Next time you feel guilty, angry, or sad about what you did that day, remember that shortcomings are lessons to be learned. Ask yourself: what can you do tomorrow to put you in a better position for the next day?

Even if it’s something minor—like forgiving yourself or lessening your to-do list—it still counts as progression.

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