The President's Message 11/18/24

“Many of us feel stress and get overwhelmed not because we're taking on too much, but because we're taking on too little of what really strengthens us.” –Marcus Buckingham

Marcus Buckingham’s quote invites us to rethink the source of our stress and overwhelm. Often, we assume that stress comes from taking on too many responsibilities or from the sheer volume of tasks on our to-do lists.

Buckingham suggests that the real issue might not be the quantity of what we’re doing, but rather the quality. It’s not that we’re overwhelmed because we have too much on our plates, but because we’re not engaging enough with what truly energizes and strengthens us.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work, family, and social obligations, leaving little time for the activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. We push aside our passions and interests, telling ourselves that we’ll get to them later, once the “important” work is done. But when we neglect the things that nourish our souls, we drain our energy reserves, making even small tasks feel overwhelming. This disconnect between what we do and what we love can lead to chronic stress, burnout, and a sense of unfulfillment.

The solution, as Buckingham points out, is to make time for the things that truly strengthen us. These are the activities that give us a sense of purpose, creativity, and joy—the ones that leave us feeling more energized and alive. For some, this might mean carving out time for a hobby, whether it’s painting, writing, or gardening. For others, it might mean pursuing a career path that aligns more closely with their passions, or simply spending more time with loved ones who lift them up. By prioritizing these activities, we not only reduce stress but also enhance our overall well-being.

This approach requires a shift in mindset. Instead of viewing self-care or passion projects as indulgent or secondary to “real” work, we need to recognize them as essential components of a balanced life. When we invest time and energy in what strengthens us, we’re not just recharging our batteries—we’re building a foundation of resilience that can help us handle life’s inevitable challenges. This doesn’t mean that we can or should avoid responsibilities that don’t excite us, but it does mean that we should strive for a better balance between what drains us and what replenishes us.

Moreover, incorporating what strengthens us into our daily lives can have a profound impact on our productivity and effectiveness. When we’re engaged in activities that align with our strengths and passions, we’re more likely to enter a state of flow, where work feels effortless and time flies by. This sense of flow can spill over into other areas of our lives, making us more focused, creative, and motivated. In this way, taking on more of what strengthens us can actually help us manage our responsibilities more effectively, reducing stress and increasing satisfaction.

In conclusion, Marcus Buckingham’s quote serves as a powerful reminder that the key to overcoming stress and overwhelm might lie not in doing less, but in doing more of what truly strengthens us. By prioritizing activities that bring us joy and fulfillment, we can build a life that is not only more balanced but also more resilient and meaningful. So, let’s challenge ourselves to reassess our priorities, make room for our passions, and embrace the idea that what strengthens us is not a luxury, but a necessity for a healthy, fulfilling life.