The Drive to Accomplish: Finding Peace in the Pause

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a cycle of always needing to accomplish something? Like if you’re not working, learning, fixing something, or cooking, you’re somehow wasting time? I know that feeling deeply. It’s like this invisible force pushing you to keep going, no matter how tired you are, no matter how much you’ve already done. I’ve lived it. And honestly, it can be exhausting.

For me, this drive has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s brought me a lot of achievement and a strong work ethic. But on the other, it’s kept me from resting, from truly feeling at peace. Sometimes, it’s even been a way to avoid sitting with uncomfortable feelings—focusing on the next task instead of what’s really going on inside.

If this resonates with you, I want you to know you’re not alone. And I get it—it’s hard to just stop. There’s that nagging feeling, like if you slow down, the world might somehow fall apart, or maybe you will. But here’s the thing: the world won’t fall apart if you rest. And neither will you.

Why This Matters

Living like this can take a toll—not just on your body, but on your mind and spirit. Constantly pushing yourself can lead to burnout, strain your relationships, and leave you feeling like you’re never quite enough. It’s worth asking yourself: where does this need to always be productive come from? Is it fear? A need for approval? A way to feel worthy?

And then ask yourself: What would happen if I stopped, even just for a moment?

Finding Small Moments of Rest

If the idea of slowing down feels overwhelming, let’s start small. You don’t need to overhaul your life in a day. Here are a few ways to begin:

1. Breathe. Take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for a count of three, and let it out slowly through your mouth. Feel your chest rise and fall.

2. Notice the world around you. Look at the colour of a leaf, the way light dances on its surface, or how the sky changes throughout the day.

3. Feel the breeze. Let the wind brush against your skin and notice how it moves the hairs on your arms. Let yourself just be in that moment.

These small acts of mindfulness can anchor you in the present and remind you that life isn’t just about doing—it’s about being, too.

Why You’re Enough

No matter how much you accomplish—or don’t—you are enough. Your worth isn’t tied to how busy you are or how much you’ve achieved. You are incredible simply because you exist.

So, if you’re like me, always feeling that pull to do more, I invite you to pause. Take a breath. Notice the world around you. It might feel unfamiliar at first, but over time, those little moments of rest can become a refuge.

You’re not alone in this. Let’s learn to embrace the quiet together.

Photo: Bich Tran via Pexels