# Finding Balance: The Intersection of Excellence and Happiness
Written on
Chapter 1: The Challenge of Identity
When I was first addressed by my professional title, it felt oddly out of place. I didn't dislike my job, nor was I ashamed of it; in fact, I took pride in my accomplishments. However, I recognized that it only represented a fragment of who I am. I didn't consider myself merely a product of my profession. This tendency to label ourselves and others is widespread, as it simplifies how we interact within our interconnected society.
We categorize individuals because it's impractical to grasp every detail about everyone we encounter. Consequently, we define them based on our interactions: the plumber, the receptionist, the mechanic, the web developer, the musician, the actor, and so forth. It’s irrelevant if the musician also repairs pipes by day, or if the web developer spends his nights performing in local theatre. We tend to remember them by the roles we first experienced them in, as that helps us navigate our lives more smoothly.
Section 1.1: The Obsession with Excellence
Some professions, however, require a level of obsession. The pursuit of excellence can be all-consuming. I have dedicated numerous hours to mastering my roles as a musician, writer, audio producer, and software engineer. I often found myself jotting down lyrics during business meetings and burning the midnight oil to produce my next track. My vacations were often spent writing a book, and weekends were dedicated to editing. I would code all day, read technical documents at night, and even dream about algorithms. It's clear that such obsession can be detrimental to one's well-being.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Price of Success
Section 1.2: The Importance of a Well-Rounded Life
It’s true that excellence can conflict with happiness. While we may have a passion for our work, neglecting other aspects of our lives can leave us feeling unfulfilled. The unfortunate reality is that we miss out on many enriching experiences when we allow our careers to overshadow our identities. Once we let our jobs define who we are, we risk losing sight of our true selves.
Chapter 2: Striking the Right Balance
Yet, this does not mean we should abandon our quest for excellence in any field we choose to pursue. The key lies in achieving a harmonious balance. We must remember that our identities extend beyond our jobs and that it's crucial to carve out time for every passion that our hearts desire.
To further explore these themes, check out the following videos:
Perfection Vs. Excellence [For Solopreneurs] - YouTube
This video discusses the difference between striving for perfection and pursuing excellence, particularly for solopreneurs navigating their careers.
Show Up in Excellence, Always. - YouTube
In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of consistently showing up with excellence, regardless of the challenges faced.
As I wrote these reflections, I was listening to ‘Cicada Waves’ by Ben Seretan. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts! Your support means a lot.
So, who am I?
I’m a musician who writes, and a writer who creates music. You can step into my world right here.