Recently, I've spoken to a few European colleagues who have all shared the same sentiment regarding the American work ethic. "You never stop!" It's true that Americans work tirelessly, often even bragging about how much of their life is dedicated to "the grind." And every so often, they reward themselves with a bit of time off. This perpetual cycle of work, vacation, catch-up, and repeat severs life into categories that are far too distinct. Life is so much more than just times of "work" and "vacation."
My remedy to combat this is straightforward. I believe in curating a life where vacation is a supplementary endeavor instead of a desperate escape. Seth Godin, founder of Yoyodyne (acquired by Yahoo! ), once said, "Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don't need to escape from." Well, what does this mean? To me, it means making choices that align with your values, passions, and well-being. It means focusing on building a life that you find fulfilling and enjoyable every day, so you won't feel the need to temporarily escape.
Holistic well-being can help us find the balance between work, personal interests, and our key relationships. And by striking this balance, we're able to fully appreciate each day instead of trying to escape it.
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