Don’t Rush, Slow Down!

I met Steve after two months. He called me up last Friday night at 2 a.m. and said, “Bob I am not feeling okay. I need to see you urgently.” His panic stricken voice scared me. “All okay?” I asked. “Not really. See me soon,” he replied. The next day I met him. We were at Central Park. The luscious green grass and the sight of people lazing around gave me comfort. We sat there.

However, Steve looked tense. I could figure out that the sweat beads on his forehead were the outcome of the worries. “Now tell me what happened? You look sleep deprived,” I said. He took a deep breath. “Bob, I haven’t achieved enough,” he answered. I looked at him. “Why are you saying that? You are running your own IT firm and it’s going so well,” I said.

He sighed. “Bob, it looks all well from outside. I am struggling for the past two months. I need financers. I have no growth,” he cried. He took his phone out. He showed to me a picture of a guy. “You see him, Bob? This is John. My batch mate. Today he is owning a grand house, villas, cars, and all the luxuries, not to forget has a loving family too. And I have nothing near to all this,” he said.

“Why will you compare yourself to him in the first place? His dreams and desires are different so are yours. You both are different individuals, you cannot tread his path. Your individuality has made you what you are today. Stop this vague comparison!” I said. He didn’t look convinced. “Bob, it’s a biased friend speaking to me. The reality is different,” he replied.

“Steve are you not living your dream? I asked. “Yes I am, Bob. I just feel very upset at times. Feel like I have a lot more to achieve and I can’t,” he answered.  “You have your entire life to do that. You just need to slow down a little. Some things take time. Don’t rush. Trust me, you have enough for yourself,” I said.  

“Phew! I feel good after talking to you. You’re right, Bob. I should stop being anxious. I must have respect for my own pace and choice,” he replied. I was glad that he perceived where he was being harsh with himself.

This is a common story for so many of us! Even if we have achieved enough for ourselves, we feel like underperformers! Our success is not enough for us unless we can afford the things that others possess. Don’t measure your worth by comparing yourself with someone else. Stop having a ‘what’s next list’ aligning with what others have acquired in life. The day we stop this we will be happier and wiser!