“I really need, I really need timе now
I really need, I need a free mind now
I really need, I really need minе now
I really need, I need to free my mind now.”

-Tems, “Free Mind”

We live in a society that requires us to go full force toward our goals, and that is great. As much as we normalize hustling and grinding, we should do the same for stepping back and recalibrating. This can allow you to reflect. To view where we might have gone right, or wrong. A chance to grow.

I, for instance, have been working on a novel for a while. I was going full force, but when I actually looked at the manuscript, I realized that it was a dumpster fire and I was genuinely shocked that I ever made it past 8th grade English needed a bit more work. Yes, I understand that there is a process to writing a book, and the first draft is always trash, but this was more than a stylistic issue. It was almost as though I didn’t even know what I wanted to say. How can my work resonate with readers if I don’t even know what I am trying to say? So, I took some time off. I read books. I reflected. I met some new people, and learned lessons. Although it is true that an author should distance themselves from their work, broadening my world view has only made me a better storyteller even if I don’t specifically plan on writing about my experiences per se. I am still in the process of completing my manuscript, but I have a firm grasp of the foundation.

This same concept can be applied to a myriad of circumstances. Use your PTO. Step back from that relationship for a little bit. Take that vacation, or better yet do a staycation. Pray. Stepping back can be the thing that ultimately propels you forward. There are so many aspects in which I need to apply this as well.

Just make sure you come back, though.