Nothing is permanent

It is time for me to rant about another facebook post. You make it too easy, people.

Today I saw someone share a post that started with “I am 25 and completely burnt out. What am I supposed to do for 50 more years?”.

I have only one answer for you: how about making some lifestyle changes?

Once upon a time I realized that nothing in life is permanent. Well, ok, maybe not nothing, but definitely most things. And that was such an epiphany!! It means that when something sucks, you can make it not suck. Isn’t that wonderful?

Changes don’t always come easy, so you have to be invested. And there is more than one way to skin this cat (such a terrible expression, please don’t skin any cats). But if you’re burnt out at 25 and don’t see how things can get better, then I guess it’s time for an epiphany anyway.

You have control over your own life. The power is yours. And yes, maybe some things are out of your hands, but certainly not everything.

So make better choices. Drop toxic friends. Change your diet. Cut down stressing factors. Spend less time on social media. Work out. Reorganize and prioritize.

You might say that it’s easier said than done, and you’re absolutely right. That doesn’t mean, however, that it can’t be done. It just means that you have to put in a little sweat.

You don’t have to tackle everything at once either. Changing one habit at a time is perfectly fine, and actually much more achievable.

I get it, it’s hard to think about change when you’re really just trying to survive. You lose perspective, you can’t see the big picture. So talk to some people you trust, people who love you, people who can help you. And accept help. Pride is your enemy right now, you can always be proud again once you’re back on your feet.

Being on the edge of burnt out is kind of my M.O. Very often I get overwhelmed with life, so when I feel it coming I try to take a step back. I try to reevaluate my priorities and my schedule, and make any changes I can to give my brain some extra breathing space. Is it easy? Hell no. I often have to drop projects I’m excited about. But it’s not like I’m dropping them forever, they’re just going on hold. Just keep a list of your projects somewhere, or even better, use some sort of project management tool so you can always pick back up from where you left it. If you were really into it, you’ll get back there.

And speaking of which, using a project management tool is a great way to organize your life. After all, your life is a project too. You have goals and desires, and in order to achieve the things you want, you’ll need to do a little planning and organizing.

So pick a tool (I’m currently using https://www.notion.so/) and start making notes, creating projects, laying down the path for your next phase. And hang in there. A good mix of discipline and patience will go a long way. And don’t give up. Keep at it and the changes and new opportunities will come, and the best part is you’ll know that you’re the one who made it all happen. You’ve changed your life for the better. You’re in charge.

Go ahead. I know you can do it.