In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of a “100-year life” is gaining ground. With advancements in healthcare and technology, people live longer, offering them extended opportunities to work and engage in various pursuits. Amidst this extended timeline, we must rethink how we approach our careers and life decisions.

Instead of relentlessly chasing every business opportunity that comes our way, there is merit in allocating time-based on our fulfilment priorities. The Wall Street Journal studies show us the value of occasionally stepping back from the constant hustle to focus on other significant aspects of life. This approach challenges the conventional notion of always striving for the next rung on the career ladder.

While immediate responses to business prospects have been the norm, the new perspective encourages a more balanced and holistic approach. To understand this, we can consider the example of Sarah, a marketing executive who was presented with a high-profile project. Instead of diving headfirst, she took a moment to assess how the project aligned with her personal goals.

She realized that her health and family relationships were taking a back seat due to her work commitments. Sarah improved her well-being by pausing and allocating time to these neglected areas. She strengthened her connections, ultimately boosting her overall happiness.

Another instance involves Michael, a software developer with an opportunity to lead a groundbreaking project. However, he chose to delay his career ascent temporarily. This decision allowed him to dedicate time to his passion for teaching underprivileged children how to code. Michael found a more profound sense of fulfilment that transcended conventional career achievements by focusing on his purpose outside of work.

These examples underscore the significance of periodically assessing our priorities and being mindful of the various dimensions of our lives. It’s about acknowledging that work isn’t the sole aspect that defines us. Our health, relationships, passions, and sense of purpose contribute equally to our well-roundedness.

To help you allocate time according to your fulfilment activities, here are some steps you can take.

Engage in Thoughtful Self-Reflection:

Regularly pause and assess the different dimensions of your life. Reflect on your health, the quality of your relationships, the pursuit of your passions, and the alignment with your sense of purpose. Identify areas that need to be addressed due to the relentless pursuit of professional success.

Give Priority to Fulfillment:

Instead of blindly chasing after promotions and career advancements, evaluate opportunities through a more comprehensive lens. Consider how these opportunities will impact not only your career but also your overall well-being.

Establish and Honor Boundaries:

In a world where work emails and tasks can invade personal time, it’s essential to set clear boundaries. Allocate specific times for work-related activities and protect your personal time fiercely. Doing so creates a space where you can engage wholeheartedly in non-work pursuits, fostering a sense of balance.

Strategically Plan Breaks:

Intentionally stepping away from the fast track of career progression can offer remarkable benefits. Use these breaks to focus on areas that may have been neglected. Spend quality time with family and friends, immerse yourself in hobbies that bring you joy, or engage in community service that aligns with your purpose.

Measure Your Holistic Happiness:

While career milestones are satisfying, they don’t represent the entirety of a fulfilling life. Gauge your happiness not just by professional achievements but also by the quality of your relationships, physical and mental well-being, and sense of purpose.

Combating loneliness requires a concerted effort from both individuals and communities. By adhering to these practical steps, we can significantly impact the lives of our ageing parents and counter the loneliness pandemic. Add your voice to the conversation on our forum. Register and become a part of the Age Brilliantly movement.