Enlightened Selfishness

With the all directions that life is pulling us, we are often running around taking care of the “have to” without ever getting to the “want to” of our life. We are so over scheduled and over committed, we tend to have to put our important things on the back burner. Exercise, eating right, and relaxation come in occasional episodes or when we complete all our tasks…which we never do.

We literally sacrifice ourselves on a daily basis to give to others. The problem over time is that we become rundown, tired, unmotivated, and possibly even sick. The number one reason clients have trouble sticking with an exercise program is that they are too busy. When I have the discussion with them, I always ask the same question.

“How productive are you when you are tired, sick, and unhappy?”

It’s impossible to give from an empty vessel. Many of us are walking around like an empty vessel trying to pour ourselves into things and other people, but to no avail. I recently pushed my limits trying to achieve certain objectives with my company.

In realizing where I was, I took some time off and spend some time being “selfish”. I engaged in activities that recharged me, brought balance back into my life, and allowed me to come back much stronger than than I had been.

The reason I say selfish is that many times we feel spending this time for ourselves is bad. If we are not rushing around doing for the greater good, we feel we are moving in the wrong direction. What I’m telling you is that this time is essential and necessary in order to continue to move in the right direction.

I had heard the concept once before from Paul Chek, founder of the CHEK Institute,who used the term purposefully selfishness. I was then reminded of it again by Renee Stevens, whose podcast Inside Out Weight Loss had an episode called Enlightened Selfishness.

I hope you listen and then take some time for you to get back the energy and vitality you really need to get all that you want accomplished and enjoy your life more fully.