Chapter 1: The Struggle of Showing Up

Facing the challenge of engaging with the world when you'd prefer to retreat can be particularly tough, especially for those like myself who balance a passion project alongside daily responsibilities. It often feels like you're aware of a deeper calling but spend hours pushing it aside just to get through the day. This misalignment can take a significant toll.

I recognize that merely having clarity about one's ambitions—such as my desire to expand my writing business and become a coach—is a privilege. I believe many of you might resonate with this sentiment! Even if you're uncertain about your future, you might realize that your current path isn't fulfilling.

Feelings of resentment towards your present situation can arise from self-sacrifice made to keep afloat. The sensation of resistance, like pushing against an immovable barrier, often signals dissatisfaction. In the worst cases, this can lead to complete disconnection from your frustrations, as you distance yourself from uncomfortable emotions just to cope. While this may be necessary at times to avoid a constant struggle with reality, the underlying stress continues to simmer, potentially affecting other aspects of your life.

I become acutely aware of this emptiness during low moments, but what can we do about it? In this article, I aim to candidly share how I've navigated daily resistance for years. I invite you to share your experiences in the comments, as we can find camaraderie in the frustrations we face. While I typically adopt a forward-looking and optimistic approach in my writing, sometimes it's important to express grievances and release pent-up feelings.

Chapter 2: Is the Daily Grind Worth It?

“I can feel that it runs in my family,” the late Mac Miller reflects on his depression in his track, “Self-care.” The grind of daily life, the relentless pursuit of goals, demands resilience as you balance your aspirations with the discomfort of necessary tasks.

When you’re chasing a goal that excites you but also terrifies you, discomfort exists on both sides. Limiting beliefs make their unwelcome appearance, and cognitive dissonance surrounds you, all while you chase what you truly desire.

I often contemplate whether the struggle is worthwhile. Is it really worth the effort? Should I continue pushing forward if it drains my energy? My answer is a resounding yes, albeit with some caveats.

I believe fighting for what you feel is your true calling is a cause worth pursuing. As a psychology enthusiast, I reflect on Carl Jung’s insights regarding the falsification of type. He observed that many of his psychiatric patients shared common traits in how they lived—most were misaligned with their core values, leading to significant stress and mental health issues.

Jung famously stated:

“… whenever such a falsification of type takes place as a result of external influence, the individual becomes neurotic later, and a cure can successfully be sought only in a development of that attitude which corresponds with the individual’s natural way.” —Carl Jung, Psychological Types, 1921.

I find solace in accepting my circumstances; striving for my goals amidst the stress of daily responsibilities is challenging, but it’s a fight worth engaging in for a more aligned life.

Chapter 3: Tips for Managing the Daily Grind

Given the dual challenges of engaging in tasks you dislike while pursuing what you love, here are some guiding principles I keep in mind:

1. Acknowledge the Personal Growth Pendulum: Not every day will be perfect. Some days you'll feel motivated to tackle your goals, while on others, you may struggle. Avoid self-judgment during these times. It’s okay to postpone extra work for tomorrow.
2. Prioritize Rest: While stress can serve as a motivator, it becomes problematic when persistent. Those of us caught between who we are and who we wish to be are more vulnerable to chronic stress. Be mindful of your limits and invest in self-care when necessary; it's essential for your well-being.
3. Practice Acceptance: Acceptance doesn’t mean resigning to a life of dissatisfaction. Acknowledging that certain tasks are unavoidable can lessen resistance and, consequently, stress. Channel the energy saved into pursuing your goals.
4. Recognize the Value of Small Steps: My medium blog didn’t flourish overnight; it has taken three years to reach a point where it generates a reasonable income. I wrote when I could, and over time, it grew. This gradual progress is echoed in James Clear's insightful book, Atomic Habits.
5. Express Your Emotions: I’m learning to allocate time for feeling my emotions. Ignoring feelings of overwhelm only distances you from them. Set aside moments to process your frustrations and find healthy outlets for expression. Suppressed stress can disrupt our internal systems and lead to mental and physical health issues.

In conclusion, avoid clinging too tightly to your goals. Placing your happiness solely in their attainment can be misleading. While I sense that greater alignment will lead to increased happiness, it's essential to recognize the joy present in life right now.

Amid the challenges of work-life balance, I strive to appreciate life's beauty. Despite the struggles, we are fortunate to be here.

Thank you for reading! I welcome your thoughts in the comments and invite you to follow me on Substack for daily reflections on personal growth and additional articles.