The Next Three Years: Hold On, Stay Steady, Endure

In recent years, the world we live in has undergone significant changes.

Even without elaborating, it's clear to everyone: wave after wave of pressure has been rushing into our lives.

A few days ago, I chatted with a friend who runs a restaurant. He said, "These have been the hardest three years I've ever experienced, but also the clearest three years. In the past, I thought about how to resist the difficulties. Now, I've realized that learning how to adapt and find opportunities within challenges is what's truly important."

This statement really hits home.

Dramatic changes in the times are neither something we can decide nor something we can alter with sheer willpower.

So, for ordinary people, how should we navigate the shifting tides and turbulent waves of the world?

My suggestion is simple but essential: Hold on, stay steady, and endure.

1. Hold On

What to Hold On To?

The baseline of life.
Every life has a baseline.
If you can safeguard this baseline under any circumstance—ensuring that it functions smoothly—you'll have built your life and future on an unshakable foundation.

Come what may—storms, upheavals, or crises—you'll still be able to maintain stability and calm.

To hold on to your baseline, focus on these three core areas:

1.1 Health

Your health is the cornerstone of happiness.

Under life's pressures, our bodies often bear the brunt, facing exhaustion and deterioration.

For example, a well-known livestreamer suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage during a broadcast and passed away after eight days of intensive care. Tragically, he'd already noticed signs of discomfort earlier but ignored them. His untimely death left behind aging parents, a grieving wife, and four young children.

When you're middle-aged, your life isn't just yours anymore. Your health is tied to the well-being of your entire family.

Take care of your body—it is the foundation of a happy and stable life.

1.2 Finances

Each year, many people take stock of their finances and realize they haven't saved much. Even giving parents a holiday gift becomes a struggle.

This lack of planning stems from overconfidence in surface-level stability. But one unexpected event—a parent's aging, a child’s illness, or job loss—can throw everything into chaos.

As adults, we must embrace financial responsibility. Learn to save and spend wisely.

You may not achieve financial freedom overnight, but every penny saved is another layer of security for your future.

1.3 Family

"Managing a household is the essence of living. Only when the family thrives can individuals find peace in life."

While we're young, we focus on career ambitions. But as we grow older, we realize that a stable, harmonious family is our greatest source of confidence in facing life's challenges.

• Don't waste time on trivial family conflicts.
• Be understanding and forgiving toward loved ones.
• Remember that family is your refuge, and nothing is more precious than familial bonds.

When your family's hearts are united, external chaos won't feel as daunting.

2. Stay Steady

What to Stay Steady On?

Your rhythm.

The world today changes rapidly. While there used to be room for trial and error, now excessive impulsiveness often leads to greater risks.

Sometimes, those who stay calm and grounded are the ones who last until things turn for the better.

Staying steady doesn’t mean immediate success—it means avoiding losses right now.

Focus on controlling your circumstances, making life more stable, and gathering strength to seize opportunities when they arise.

2.1 Your Mindset

Life is filled with uncertainties, but this has always been true. Just as there are good times, there will also be bad times.

In such moments, maintaining a positive mindset is critical. Trust yourself and be patient with the present.

The essence of a fulfilling life lies not in external circumstances but in your inner peace.

When faced with difficulties:

• Shift your perspective.
• Stay composed and practical.
• Let challenges drive you toward solutions.

You never know when a breakthrough may appear.

2.2 Your Work

Work provides not just a livelihood but a safety net for your family.

A friend of mine, experienced and skilled, recently left a major company, assuming he’d easily find a better position. However, after months of job searching, he discovered that many roles either ignored his applications or offered lower pay and fewer resources.

With no steady income, loans and family expenses quickly became overwhelming.

So, if you have a stable job, treasure it. For most of us, work isn't about dreams or passion—it's about survival and providing stability for those who depend on us.

2.3 Your Actions

In today’s world, where tensions run high, being cautious in behavior is essential.

Avoid unnecessary conflicts, even when provoked. Being rational and composed protects you and your loved ones.

3. Endure

What to Endure?

Life’s storms.

Challenges and uncertainties are part of every era. They push us, test us, and ultimately shape us.

"Life is rarely as we wish, but it’s through pain and struggle that we grow stronger."

Endurance isn’t about finding a way out—it’s about surviving through.

3.1 Loneliness

Many people find their social circles shrinking as they grow older, leaving them feeling isolated.

However, solitude is a necessary stage for self-reflection and growth. Embrace it. When you learn to enjoy your own company, you become more resilient and less reliant on external validation.

3.2 Responsibility

As you age, responsibility becomes inescapable. You must shoulder the demands of work, family, and life’s challenges.

True strength lies in taking on these burdens with courage and perseverance.

3.3 Downturns

Life’s lows can feel insurmountable. Jobs may be lost, efforts may seem fruitless, and crises may appear unending.

But every wound will eventually heal, becoming a source of strength. No matter how tough life gets, push through. Effort and persistence never go unrewarded.

Conclusion

In a world filled with uncertainties, the way forward is clear:

• Hold on to the essentials—health, finances, and family—as your foundation.
• Stay steady to weather the storms with calm and patience.
• Endure challenges to grow stronger and wiser.

The bitterness of life will eventually lead to sweetness if you persist. Keep going—you’ll meet a better life and a better version of yourself.

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In the new year, prioritize your health

Every new year, we make wishes. Looking at the most popular aspirations, success is what we seek, happiness is what we wish for. However, without health, success, wealth, happiness, and dreams are all empty promises. In life, health is the most precious wealth.

In the new year, no matter how busy or tired you may be, please remember to treat yourself kindly and listen to your body's signals, taking better care of yourself.

Truly, nothing is more important than health.

Good health is everyone's desire.

Every New Year, we receive many greeting cards from friends. Over the years, the box can no longer be closed. One day, when opened, there was a sudden desire to tally up the wishes to see what heartfelt blessings people have on our most festive days.

The "Wishing you prosperity" cards were gently set aside. Wealth is important, but certainly not the most important. The "Wishing your dreams come true" cards were dismissed with a smile. According to psychological studies, the average person has about sixty thousand thoughts a day. If all those wishes came true, wouldn't chaos reign? As for the "Wishing you laughter always" cards, well, those were quite fitting.

The most repeated auspicious phrase was — "Wishing you good health!"

Health is the most sought-after wish. But health doesn't fall from the sky, nor is it achieved simply by wishing. Like any other good thing in the world, health is fought for, built, nurtured, and defended.

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5 Things to Make Yourself Happier in 2026

1. Maintain a Radiant Smile

More important than having a life where everything goes smoothly is having a positive and optimistic mindset. When your mindset is good, everything else tends to fall into place more smoothly.

People with an optimistic mindset always present a positive and enthusiastic side in both work and life. Such individuals handle work with ease and find life more interesting. Conversely, those with a pessimistic mindset often worry excessively and make life messy.

In 2026, please maintain a positive mindset and give life a radiant smile. Your journey in life will be filled with birdsong, fragrant flowers, and sunny days.

2. Stick to Exercising

There's a difference in life between being active and sedentary. Exercise not only strengthens the body but also improves mood, allowing you to perceive more happiness and joy in life and face each day with full energy.

Instead of envying others' good health, start paying attention to your own health from now on. In 2026, no matter how busy life gets, take some time to exercise. Every drop of sweat you shed shapes a more energetic version of yourself.

3. Continue Learning and Updating Skills

Learning knows no age limit. Those who continue to learn and constantly improve their abilities can go further in the arena of life.

Some say, "There are two ways to make yourself irreplaceable: do what others can't do, or do what everyone else can do but do it exceptionally well." If you want to change yourself, keep learning and continuously update your skills. This way, you can seize the initiative when opportunities arise.

With every bit of improvement and every new skill acquired, you gain more choices. Only by constantly improving yourself can you maintain competitiveness and explore broader horizons.

4. Spend More Time with Family

After experiencing the ups and downs of life, we understand that the most precious happiness can be summed up in nine words — having a home to return to, someone waiting for you, and food to eat.

Not everything lasts forever, and some things are irreplaceable. Mothers' eyes gather wrinkles with time, and fathers' shoulders are not as broad as they once were. Some people and opportunities are gone once missed.

In 2026, no matter how busy you are with work, please take some time to accompany your parents. Even if time is tight, reserve some energy to be with your spouse and children. What truly satisfies and brings peace is the tranquility of time and the safety of family.

5. Don't Dwell on the Past, Don't Fear the Future

Constantly looking back makes it difficult to walk the present path well, and worrying excessively breeds unnecessary troubles.

The sun of yesterday and tomorrow cannot dry today's clothes. The wisest way to treat time is to focus on the present. Don't dwell on the past; let it go. Be patient and give time some time.

In 2026, live every moment of the present well, without clinging to the past or fearing the future, so as not to disappoint this one-time life.

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The Most Life-Shortening Habits: It's Not Smoking or Drinking but These Three

There is an alarming decline in health among urban dwellers. It draws attention to modern lifestyle habits that are increasingly detrimental to both physical and mental well-being. Here’s a deeper look into the key points and recommendations:

1. Chronic Sleep Deprivation: The Silent Killer

My uncle suffered severe health complications due to long-term sleep deprivation. He worked nearly a decade on only 4-5 hours of sleep per night and developed acute liver failure at the age of 36, a condition with an 85% mortality rate. His case illustrates how ignoring the need for proper rest can lead to life-threatening outcomes.

Scientific Insights

• During sleep, DNA repair mechanisms are highly active, helping to counteract the daily wear and tear on the body's cells.
• Research from Molecular Cell shows that high-quality sleep of at least 6 hours optimizes the body's repair processes. However, sleeping less than 4 hours severely disrupts this balance, leading to accumulative DNA damage that increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Consequences of Poor Sleep

• Cognitive Decline: Damaged neurons lead to memory issues and reduced mental clarity.
• Metabolic Issues: Impaired digestion and abnormal metabolism cause obesity and diabetes.
• Reproductive Challenges: DNA damage in reproductive cells can lead to fertility issues.
• Heart Problems: Prolonged poor sleep increases the risk of heart disease and hypertension.

Recommendations for Better Sleep

• Establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine.
• Avoid using electronic devices before sleep to reduce blue light exposure.
• Replace overstimulating nighttime habits (e.g., gaming, scrolling social media) with calming activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to relaxing music.
• Strive for a minimum of 6 hours of quality sleep every night.

2. The Toxic Impact of Negative Emotions

The second harmful habit is the failure to manage negative emotions. The article recounts the story of a woman who developed breast cancer largely due to her tendency to harbor resentment and stress. Prolonged negative emotions—anger, sadness, jealousy—can significantly harm physical health.

Scientific Backing

• Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn discovered that stress accelerates the shortening of telomeres, which protect DNA. Shortened telomeres are linked to faster aging and higher risks of chronic diseases.
• Studies also show that chronic stress and emotional suppression can weaken the immune system, disrupt hormonal balance, and increase vulnerability to diseases.

Real-World Examples

• Caregivers under constant stress exhibited accelerated aging due to shortened telomeres.
• Conversely, those who practiced mindfulness and meditation saw improvements in telomere length, effectively slowing biological aging.

Recommendations for Emotional Health

• Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress.
• Engage in activities that promote relaxation and joy, like yoga, art, or spending time in nature.
• Seek therapy or counseling if negative emotions become overwhelming.
• Cultivate gratitude and positivity, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

3. Prolonged Sedentary Behavior: The Lifestyle Disease

Modern jobs often demand hours of sitting, leading to what experts call "sitting disease." The article recounts the story of a young woman diagnosed with “dead butt syndrome” (gluteal amnesia) and a retiree who suffered life-threatening blood clots after prolonged sitting. These stories underscore the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle.

Health Risks of Prolonged Sitting

• Muscle Atrophy: Inactive gluteal muscles weaken, leading to imbalances that strain other body parts like the back and knees.
• Blood Clots: Reduced circulation increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, which can be fatal if clots travel to vital organs.
• Chronic Diseases: Sitting for long periods contributes to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer.

Supporting Research

The World Health Organization lists prolonged sitting as one of the top ten causes of death and disease globally. A study equates the harm of sitting for one hour to smoking two cigarettes, reducing life expectancy by 22 minutes.

Recommendations for an Active Lifestyle

• Take a 5-minute break every hour to stretch or walk.
• Use standing desks or incorporate activities like walking meetings.
• Integrate exercise into daily routines, such as cycling to work or taking the stairs.
• Pursue hobbies that require movement, like dancing, gardening, or playing sports.

Final Reflections: Health as the Foundation of Life

The article concludes with a powerful message: Health is the foundation of everything. While the modern world pushes people toward endless hustle and ambition, neglecting health can have irreversible consequences.

Key Takeaways

• Work-life Balance: No job is worth sacrificing your health. Your body is irreplaceable, but work can always be delegated or replaced.
• Preventive Care: Regular exercise, healthy sleep, and positive emotional habits can drastically improve both the quality and length of life.
• Self-love and Awareness: Prioritize self-care and listen to your body. Small, consistent changes can prevent future health crises.

In a fast-paced era, it’s easy to be consumed by external pressures, but true fulfillment lies in nurturing a healthy body and mind. By taking care of ourselves today, we ensure the ability to enjoy life’s beauty tomorrow.

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Mastering Rest: The Art of Truly Capable Individuals

After toiling for more than 300+ days, as the year draws to a close, fatigue fills the bodies and eyes of every worker.

In the past year, many have experienced this: When work becomes challenging, the more you rush to finish quickly, the more mistakes you make. When temporarily unable to find solutions, the more anxious and panicked you become, the more counterproductive it is, resulting in chaos.

With the rapid development of the times and increasing competition around us, we dare not stop.

Humans are like rubber bands—the tighter they are stretched, the easier they break. Those who know how to rest also know how to work; resting is the first step to improving work efficiency.

As the end of the year approaches, giving yourself time to breathe after a year of hard work enables you to handle things efficiently and orderly, and life and work will progress and develop as you wish.

More important than working hard is knowing how to rest.

Henry Ford, the automotive tycoon, once said: "People who only know how to work without knowing how to rest are like cars without brakes—extremely dangerous." Indeed, a person, like a machine, if relentlessly pursuing efficiency without understanding the need to stop and rest, will only backfire.

I recalled a story my friend shared with me before. One school vacation, she and another girl, both graduate students from top universities, interned at a bank. To secure a permanent position, my friend worked tirelessly, barely leaving her seat except for meals and restroom breaks, often working overtime until midnight.

The other girl, however, left punctually at the end of each workday, sometimes slipping out during office hours under the pretext of getting water. During lunch breaks, she wouldn't return until it was time to work. Surprisingly, after the internship, the supervisors decided to keep the other girl.

When my friend later chatted with her, she understood: every time the girl slipped out, she sensed her concentration declining. To maintain efficiency, she took short breaks to relax and refresh her mind. This balanced work rhythm made her more efficient, composed, and allowed her to carve out more leisure time for self-improvement.

Often, working hard is not a display of ability; knowing how to rest is.

Frederick Taylor, the father of scientific management in the 20th century, took over an ironworks factory and, to improve efficiency, made three requests to the workers:

1. Mandatory 5-minute breaks every hour, even if they didn't feel tired;

2. Reduce the daily working hours from 10 or 12 to 8.5 hours;

3. Ensure everyone is focused and efficient at work.

These seemingly simple requirements miraculously improved worker efficiency. Previously, workers could handle about 12 tons of iron per day on average, but under his management, they could handle about 48 tons per day without feeling fatigued.

"Resting" is as essential to "working efficiently" as a charger is to a phone—indispensable.

To work efficiently, one must first learn to rest efficiently. The most admirable quality of truly capable individuals is not their diligence at work but their "laziness" when resting. Progress is a capability, but pausing is wisdom. Every break charges the body.

You need to prepare for Monday. To do this, use the weekend to rejuvenate yourself rather than ending up exhausted. In the past year, perhaps you've had experiences like this: to finish remaining work from weekdays, you canceled all plans over the weekend.

When Monday came, although you completed the work, the quality was poor, and you felt exceptionally tired. Because you didn't rest well over the weekend, your work efficiency for the new week was low. By Friday, if the work wasn't finished, you'd enter a cycle of exhaustion.

True high-quality rest is never a waste of time but a period of recharging for the body and mind. When a writer faces writer's block, the more they force themselves to write well, the more difficult it becomes. Yet, they refuse to set it aside. So, they write with increasing frustration and decreasing quality.

Whenever they realize their state isn't good, they immediately leave their work and take a walk in the countryside to relax. Returning to their writing desk, they feel rejuvenated, and tasks they once thought impossible become effortless.

This experience taught them that, not only in writing but in anything one wants to excel in, ensuring one is mentally fresh at the beginning is crucial. To them, the smarter a person is, the more they understand the need to rest.

The body is the capital for survival, and resting is the prelude to sprinting. In fact, scientists have found that the brain is as active during rest as it is during work. When resting, some areas of the brain may even be more active, and the level of connectivity between some areas is higher, indicating stronger cognitive abilities.

Conversely, the more one struggles to think when lacking ideas, the more counterproductive it becomes. Our bodies, minds, and brains are like rubber bands—the tighter you stretch them, the more likely they are to break. When work becomes directionless, it's better to set it aside, giving the brain a buffer period, which may lead to new discoveries.

Rest is not a singular activity but a synonym for achieving a better state.

Learning to rest is not only giving the tired brain a period of recharge but also giving a busy life a buffering period. Learning to recharge enables efficient release of energy; learning to buffer maintains a positive mindset at all times. Treating oneself well starts with learning to rest.

Rest is not doing nothing; it's actually compensating for certain losses in the body.

Sometimes, life seems short, and time seems scarce, so we rush headlong, but this only leads to loss. Only when one learns high-quality rest can they take care of their body and gain irreplaceable wealth and capital. So, how does one become someone who knows how to rest?

Start with the following:

1. Stick to an early bedtime to rejuvenate your spirit. Late nights have become a habit for modern people. But early bedtime is a common trait of those who know how to rest. Going to bed at a reasonable time is the first step in ensuring sleep quality and the first step in learning to rest. Early sleep and rest allow life and body to gradually enter a proper state, not only beneficial for physical and mental health but also for better immersion in life and work.

2. Cultivate a hobby to awaken your passion for life. Hobbies are like seasoning in life. When you feel tired, they can quickly replenish your energy; when you encounter difficulties, they can help you temporarily escape. In the face of a fast-paced life, some people enjoy gardening, some enjoy reading, some enjoy sports... Find something that allows you to completely relax and immerse yourself.

3. Alternate work to give the brain a break. After observing the working habits of many celebrities, I found that they always work for a period of time before doing something else. Although it may seem less focused, it's actually a form of rest.

Psychologists have found that the brain can only maintain a high level of concentration for about 53 minutes. So, to ensure work efficiency, give your brain a relaxation buffer time.

For example: work for an hour, then take a break; or after completing a segment of work, switch to another task to give your brain a change of pace and relax. Learning to "distract" appropriately is the key to true efficiency.

The longer you walk without resting, the slower you walk. Many accomplished individuals spend what seems like effortful but inefficient time resting. Mindlessly rushing forward is less effective than slowing down to admire the scenery along the way; ineffective work is less beneficial than high-quality rest, giving your body and mind a "cleansing" treatment.

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Why the Most Comfortable People Are Often a Little Selfish

"Being soft-hearted and shy will only kill yourself. Rational indifference and coldness are survival tools."

At first, this may sound somewhat cold-hearted, but upon deeper reflection, it actually makes a lot of sense. People tend to prioritize others' feelings over their own in many situations. This could be due to a tendency to please others, accommodate their needs, or avoid conflict. But by doing so, they end up neglecting their own emotional health and well-being.

The Issue of Prioritizing Others Over Yourself:

The common human tendency to put others first, which, although often seen as a virtue, can be self-destructive if taken too far. For example, the passage illustrates how some people will go out of their way to help others, even at the cost of their own comfort or desires. One example is the story of a self-proclaimed "easy-to-please" person, someone who constantly accommodates friends and coworkers even when they’re exhausted, only to find that their own needs are unmet. This behavior can lead to emotional exhaustion and even health problems, as seen in the case of a woman who, after years of pushing her own needs aside, developed a health issue linked to emotional suppression.

Learning to Say "No" and Set Boundaries:

It is okay—sometimes necessary—to put yourself first. It tells the story of a woman named Jane, a social media influencer who used to be overly accommodating to others. She would work through exhaustion, help friends even when she was too tired, and sacrifice her own rest to meet others’ demands. However, after a health scare and receiving advice from her doctor, Xiao Xiao began to make changes. She started saying "no" to things she didn’t want to do, even when it was uncomfortable. Surprisingly, she found that by not overextending herself, her life became lighter, and her health improved.

This story highlights the importance of setting boundaries in order to preserve one’s mental and physical well-being. Saying "no" can be difficult, especially when people fear disappointing others, but it can ultimately lead to a healthier, more balanced life.

The Dangers of People-Pleasing:

A key insight comes from a popular online discussion about why people feel increasingly tired and unhappy. The most upvoted response points out that the main reason people feel this way is because they spend too much energy trying to meet others’ expectations while neglecting their own. This often results in a lack of fulfillment and a sense of emotional depletion.

The passage asserts that we frequently misprioritize in social interactions: we give too much importance to how others feel and ignore our own emotional needs. This imbalance can lead to feelings of resentment and burnout. In fact, people’s emotions, while important, should never outweigh our own. The suggestion is to practice a healthy level of "selfishness"—to prioritize your own emotional needs, even when it means disappointing others.

Selfishness as a Tool for Healthy Relationships:

 “Selfishness” can be a form of self-preservation. It doesn’t mean disregarding others entirely, but rather ensuring that your own needs are met first. You can still be kind, helpful, and generous, but you must never allow others to take more from you than you are willing to give. The key is to maintain your own emotional health and not overextend yourself for people who might not appreciate your sacrifices. In doing so, you ensure that your relationships remain healthy and mutually supportive.

The Importance of Knowing When to Step Back:

The passage includes an example from a TV show, where a character, B, tries to "rescue" her friend W by offering career advice, even though W is perfectly content with her current job as a taxi driver. Despite her friend’s resistance, B continues to push her own idea of what is best for W. This behavior reflects the “savior complex,” where one person tries to impose their beliefs or solutions on another, even when it’s not wanted. This kind of behavior can be damaging and lead to conflict, as seen in the show when the two characters fall out after a heated argument.

The advice here is to respect others' choices and not impose your own standards onto them, even if you believe you are helping. Not everyone wants or needs your advice or assistance, and sometimes, your actions can feel intrusive or overbearing.

The Energy Exchange in Relationships:

Relationships are an exchange of energy. People bring different levels of energy to interactions, and for relationships to thrive, both parties need to contribute positively. If a relationship consistently drains you, it may be time to reevaluate it. For instance, there is a story of a woman who distanced herself from a negative, pessimistic friend in order to preserve her own mental health and well-being. By cutting ties with this draining relationship, she found space for more positive, supportive friendships that helped her grow.

Conclusion:

The overall message is clear: prioritize your own well-being, set boundaries, and don't be afraid to be a little selfish when it comes to your emotional health. This doesn’t mean being unkind, but it does mean understanding that your needs are just as important as anyone else's. Taking care of yourself first is the key to leading a balanced, fulfilling life. Life is short, and there’s no need to sacrifice your own peace for the sake of others who may not appreciate your efforts. By practicing self-care and setting boundaries, you can build more meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.

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The Hidden Trap of Over-Responsibility: Why It Drains You

In today's fast-paced world, it’s common to encounter individuals who overburden themselves with responsibilities at work and in life. They are the ones who:

• When their family members tell them it’s late and they should rest, they respond with, “I can’t rest yet, I need to double-check the report for tomorrow’s meeting. It has to be perfect, I can't afford to make any mistakes.”
• When their colleagues invite them for lunch, they reply, “You go ahead, I need to prepare some documents for the boss’s meeting this afternoon. It has to be perfect.”

These people are often valued highly in their professional environments. Everyone likes to work with responsible colleagues. They are loyal, dependable, and hardworking. However, there's a downside to this excessive sense of responsibility: it can easily lead to self-criticism, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.

Excessive Responsibility in the Workplace

While responsibility is a highly regarded trait, too much of it can have negative consequences. The key to thriving in a workplace is not simply taking on every task or burden that comes your way, but knowing when to delegate and when to set boundaries. The most successful professionals understand how to strike a balance. They manage their responsibilities in such a way that they are still efficient without exhausting themselves or losing their personal lives.

There’s a saying that perfectly sums up this concept: "Everything has limits. Once it exceeds those limits, punishment follows." This is not only a life philosophy but also a universal rule in nature. The moment we take on too much, especially in the workplace, we risk becoming overwhelmed and stressed out, which can have long-term consequences on our mental and physical health.

The Dangers of Over-Responsibility

When someone overburdens themselves with work, it often reflects a lack of clear boundaries. In the workplace, this can manifest in several ways: taking on more tasks than necessary, helping colleagues to the detriment of your own work, or continually going above and beyond with the belief that the only way to be valued is through constant over-performance. Over time, this person becomes the one carrying the weight of the office, often without even realizing how heavy the load is.

In the Japanese drama Weakest Beast, the character Shinkai Akira is a model employee who is so dependable that her boss assigns her more work than anyone else. She becomes the go-to person for everyone: organizing travel for her boss, handling administrative tasks, and even stepping in to solve problems when colleagues make mistakes. However, this overextension doesn’t lead to career advancement. Instead, it makes her seem increasingly indispensable, but her efforts are expected, not rewarded.

Her situation gets worse when she is tasked with taking on even more work that others are too unwilling or too busy to complete. Despite her hard work, her colleagues and boss start to take her for granted. At one point, she even has to publicly apologize on behalf of a colleague. In the end, she’s left exhausted and emotionally broken, leading to a nervous breakdown.

Why Over-Responsibility Leads to Burnout

Excessive responsibility creates a work environment where a person is constantly running on empty. They feel a need to overcompensate for any potential failure and take on more than they can handle. This feeling of obligation starts to consume them. They manage their emotions, meet deadlines, and perform well, but all at the expense of their mental and physical health. Over time, this behavior leads to burnout, where the person no longer has the energy to handle even their own responsibilities, let alone the additional burdens placed on them by others.

A question often asked is, "What happens to employees who are overly responsible?" One memorable answer to this question is: "They either explode in silence or perish in silence." This suggests that when someone constantly overextends themselves to fix other people's problems, they eventually run out of time and energy to care for themselves. Everyone has a finite amount of mental and physical capacity, and exceeding that limit leads to exhaustion, burnout, and resentment.

The Importance of Setting Boundaries

While it's natural to want to help others, it's essential to learn how to prioritize self-care and personal boundaries. We can offer help to our colleagues and support others, but we must do so with the understanding that our own well-being must come first. If we continue to take on responsibilities that don’t belong to us, we risk losing ourselves in the process.

Over-responsibility is often rooted in fear of failure. Many people fear that if they don’t take on everything themselves, they will fail or disappoint others. However, constantly worrying about failure can create anxiety and tension that makes everything more difficult. Ironically, this can lead to poorer outcomes in the long run. Learning to delegate and trust others with responsibilities is crucial for both personal well-being and workplace efficiency.

Real-Life Examples of Over-Responsibility and Its Consequences

One story shared by a therapist highlights the experience of a client who was given an important task at work. This client was extremely anxious, fearing they would fail or disappoint their boss. As a result, they went above and beyond, trying to take on more of the task than they could handle. Another colleague, with less experience, accepted the task without hesitation. Throughout the project, this colleague sought guidance when needed and learned along the way. Eventually, the colleague completed the task to a higher standard, while the client’s excessive responsibility led to missed opportunities. The over-responsible person ended up sidelined, while the colleague who took a more balanced approach succeeded.

This example highlights the fact that over-responsibility can be a trap. People often believe that being overly responsible will earn them praise and career advancement, but the opposite is often true. Over-time, the excess burden becomes stifling, and the individual may fail to grow or take on new challenges.

Healthy Responsibility vs. Over-Responsibility

True responsibility is about being accountable for your actions and managing your tasks effectively. However, there is a difference between healthy responsibility and over-responsibility. Healthy responsibility is about understanding that you can’t do everything alone. It’s about setting clear boundaries and knowing when to say "no" when things get too overwhelming.

Over-responsibility, on the other hand, stems from a fear of failure and the belief that you must carry the weight of others’ tasks and problems. It can lead to emotional burnout, resentment, and the feeling of being taken for granted.

Three Key Strategies to Manage Responsibility

1. Look Inward and Focus on Your Own Needs: Responsibility begins with understanding your own emotional and physical needs. If you feel overwhelmed by tasks, don't hesitate to speak up. Don’t let frustration or resentment build up by silently accepting everything. Also, before taking on a new task, ask yourself if you're genuinely willing to take it on without expecting perfection.
2. Separate Responsibilities: Follow the concept of "task separation," which comes from Adlerian psychology. This idea suggests that while we can offer advice, we cannot control others’ actions or carry their burdens. Helping others is fine, but taking on their entire workload can lead to burnout. Recognize when you’re crossing the line and focus on your own tasks instead.
3. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Instead of fixating on the outcomes of every task, focus on what you can learn and how you can grow through the process. Embrace challenges with a mindset of growth, allowing yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. This mindset reduces the pressure to be perfect and allows you to handle tasks more effectively.

Conclusion: Balancing Responsibility

In the workplace and in life, it's important to remember that responsibility is about balance. While it’s good to be dependable, over-responsibility can be harmful. By learning to set boundaries, managing our emotional energy, and recognizing when to say "no," we can avoid the dangers of burnout and maintain a healthy, fulfilling work-life balance. True responsibility involves knowing when to help others and when to focus on yourself. Life is short, and our personal well-being should always be a top priority.

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In middle age, exercise heals all unhappiness

Middle age often brings a complex mix of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges, but also offers hope through the transformative power of exercise. It stresses that many people at this stage in life experience mounting pressures, which can lead to burnout, frustration, or even a midlife crisis. However, through personal stories and scientific studies, it argues that exercise can serve as a remedy that heals both the mind and body.

Challenges in Middle Age

As people enter middle age, they often find themselves dealing with an increased burden of life responsibilities. These include work pressures, the demands of raising children, and taking care of aging parents, among others. The mundane yet overwhelming aspects of life that seem to dominate this stage. This phrase alludes to the daily routine of survival and the exhaustion that comes with the responsibilities of adulthood. These pressures often pile up and, if not managed properly, can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion.

At the same time, individuals often find that their bodies are changing. The energy and vitality that came naturally in earlier years may feel like they're slipping away. The physical toll of stress, combined with the decline of certain bodily functions, can leave people feeling depleted, frail, and emotionally drained. Mentally, middle-aged individuals may feel trapped by routine, unable to find excitement or satisfaction in their day-to-day lives.

This sense of being overwhelmed is often accompanied by the real threat of a "midlife crisis," where individuals question the meaning of their lives and whether they’ve achieved the goals they set for themselves. This crisis is exacerbated by a fear of aging and a perceived loss of youthfulness, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction or despair.

Exercise as a Lifeline

In response to these challenges, many people in middle age turn to exercise as a means of coping. The passage emphasizes that exercise offers more than just physical benefits; it can be a powerful antidote to depression, stress, and the malaise of everyday life.

The first story shared is that of J, who battled severe depression caused by a combination of work and life pressures. He experienced insomnia and emotional exhaustion, which contributed to a sense of hopelessness. After undergoing treatment, including medication and therapy, he saw some improvements in his sleep, but his emotional state remained bleak. The turning point came when he decided to commit to a fitness routine.

By exercising 1-2 hours every night at the gym, he managed to lose weight, regain his energy, and improve his mood significantly within just three months. This transformation helped him reclaim his life and sense of purpose, and he even began enjoying learning and personal growth again. Through exercise, he found a way to break free from the grip of depression.

This experience illustrates the importance of physical activity in boosting mental health. Exercise has a profound effect on alleviating depression. Even modest levels of exercise—such as one hour per week—can bring immediate benefits to mental well-being. Exercise stimulates the production of "feel-good" neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These chemicals not only reduce physical pain but also enhance mood, creating a natural sense of happiness.

Exercise as a Source of Hope and Strength

The passage also tells the inspiring story of Selena, a woman diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at the age of 35. After undergoing treatment, she became physically weak, and doctors informed her that she might not even be able to walk in the future. Feeling terrified at the thought of not seeing her children grow up, she was emotionally devastated. During this dark period, running became her escape and salvation. It allowed her to process her emotions, cry, and heal mentally and physically.

Running became a space for her to regain strength, and it helped her find hope during the most challenging moments of her life. It reminded her that life is precious, and she made a conscious decision to embrace it fully. Her dedication to running helped her overcome the trauma of cancer and its treatment, and by the age of 46, she had completed 50 marathons. Running gave her the drive to push through personal challenges and allowed her to rediscover life's potential.

Selena’s story highlights how exercise can serve as a form of self-empowerment. When faced with life’s most difficult trials, exercise can provide not just physical healing but also emotional and spiritual renewal. For her, running was more than a form of fitness; it was a reminder that life was worth fighting for, no matter the circumstances.

Exercise as a Path to Self-Discovery and Resilience

The passage also emphasizes that exercise offers an opportunity for individuals to reconnect with themselves. It is described as an act of self-redemption—an experience that goes beyond mere physical benefits. Through exercise, people can rediscover their purpose, find inner peace, and heal from both physical and emotional trauma. Exercise becomes a way to "reset" the body and mind, shifting them into a more positive, empowered state.

In the case of Y, a businesswoman whose company was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, exercise became a way to regain clarity and reduce anxiety. Initially overwhelmed by the uncertainty of her company’s future, she began to exercise for 30 minutes daily. This helped her center herself, reduce her stress, and regain the composure needed to lead her company through the crisis. It is an example of how regular physical activity can not only improve one’s mood but also provide the mental clarity needed to overcome challenges and approach life’s problems with calm and confidence.

Practical Advice for Middle-Aged Individuals

While the benefits of exercise are clear, the passage also offers practical advice for those who wish to incorporate more physical activity into their lives, especially for middle-aged individuals. Since physical capabilities tend to decline with age, it’s important to choose exercise routines that suit one’s physical condition and health needs.

The passage suggests starting with simple exercises like walking, gradually increasing the intensity as one's fitness level improves. Aim for at least 20 minutes of exercise daily, with three sessions per week being a good starting point. It’s also recommended to find an exercise buddy or join a group for support, as accountability can help individuals stay motivated and committed to their routine.

However, it’s important not to overdo it. Middle-aged individuals should avoid excessive exercise or pushing their limits too much, as this can lead to injury. Moderation and proper rest are key to maintaining a sustainable and healthy routine.

Conclusion: The Power of Movement

In conclusion, the article encourages middle-aged individuals to embrace exercise not only as a physical practice but as a tool for emotional and mental well-being. Middle age can be a challenging time, but it can also be a period of growth and transformation. The act of exercising serves as a reminder that, while life may bring hardships, we can still find strength and joy within ourselves.

By engaging in regular physical activity, middle-aged individuals can confront life's challenges with renewed energy, optimism, and resilience. Exercise becomes more than just a way to stay fit—it becomes a crucial practice that fosters a more positive, fulfilling life.

The final message is clear: Middle-aged people should embrace exercise as a pathway to a healthier, happier, and more hopeful second half of life. Through movement, they can release stress, heal emotionally, and create a life that is full of potential and vitality.

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Why Do Class Reunions for Middle-Aged People Feel Different Now? The Surprising Truth

Do You Still Attend Reunions When You’re Middle-Aged?

The feelings towards class reunions vary greatly among people. Some view them as a reasonable way to maintain social relationships, while others see them as superficial gatherings. This has led many to wonder what would happen if everyone were honest about their feelings toward reunions.

Let’s explores the complex emotions and motivations behind attending class reunions, particularly in middle age. People's feelings toward reunions are varied, with some viewing them as a natural way to maintain friendships and stay connected, while others feel they are superficial, lacking genuine connections. The overall theme addresses how reunions reflect a person's current self-perception, insecurities, and the emotional baggage carried from the past.

Varied Opinions on Reunions

People express different views on reunions. Some see them as necessary social events, a way to maintain relationships and reconnect with old friends. For these individuals, the reunion is not about competition or comparison; it’s about enjoying nostalgia and friendship. On the other hand, many feel reunions are merely an opportunity for shallow conversations and comparisons, where people pretend to be cordial while actually sizing up each other's success and status.

Some online comments reflect the frustration people feel about the expectations around reunions. One person complains about how meaningless these events are, especially when someone who was once struggling with poverty or poor academic performance now flaunts wealth or success. The comment suggests that people often engage in subtle competition at reunions, sizing up each other’s success based on appearance, conversation, and achievements.

Why Do People Brag at Reunions?

Why some people feel the need to show off at reunions? People who were once overlooked, unsuccessful, or ignored during their school years may attend reunions with a sense of needing to prove their worth. The act of bragging or showcasing one’s achievements, whether it’s about wealth, status, or success, is viewed as a form of self-validation.

People often make exaggerated efforts to display their success—such as renting expensive cars, wearing outfits they normally wouldn’t choose, or even exaggerating their accomplishments. This behavior stems from a desire to prove that they have overcome past difficulties and achieved something noteworthy. It's a way to silence the voices of doubt that may have followed them since their youth, and to demonstrate that they have surpassed their former peers' expectations of them.

One example given is someone who might show up to a reunion in a rented luxury car, symbolizing wealth, success, and status—essentially trying to make a statement: "Look at me now. I’ve done well for myself." This type of behavior is often rooted in insecurities, as these individuals seek validation from people who were once part of their lives. In their minds, they need to prove that their past struggles no longer define them.

Repeatedly Bringing Up Past Achievements

Another group at reunions is those who constantly talk about their past glories, whether it's about their physical appearance, popularity, or achievements. These individuals often begin their sentences with, "Back in the day, I was..." The reason behind this behavior is to relive the feeling of admiration or popularity they once had. It’s a form of psychological escape from the realities of middle age, where they may feel disconnected or unimportant in their current lives. By talking about their past, they can revisit a time when they felt special, celebrated, or powerful.

Psychologists explain that people who continuously talk about their past successes or moments of attention are often trying to compensate for a perceived lack of recognition in the present. Middle age often brings a sense of responsibility, where people may feel overwhelmed by work, family obligations, and aging. The need to revisit "the good old days" becomes a coping mechanism for dealing with current feelings of dissatisfaction, anxiety, or disconnection. Revisiting past "glories" allows them to momentarily escape from the pressure of the present and relive the feelings of importance and validation they once had.

Networking and Resource Gathering

Another type of attendee at class reunions is the opportunist—the person who attends with the goal of networking, establishing business contacts, or seeking investments. These individuals often see reunions as an opportunity to expand their professional circle, pitch ideas, or find new clients, partners, or collaborators. They are not interested in rekindling old friendships or reminiscing about school days; instead, they focus on building relationships that can further their business goals.

This type of person might spend time discussing work, pitching products, or seeking business leads during the reunion. They see their classmates as potential resources to help them succeed. This behavior is rooted in a deep sense of insecurity or anxiety about their career or business, and they use the reunion to seek the comfort of knowing they have some "guaranteed" trust from former peers.

While some people find this behavior unappealing, as it can feel transactional or insincere, those engaging in it view the reunion as a resource hub where they can leverage past connections to advance their current goals. For them, the reunion is not about social bonding, but rather about securing a sense of stability and success in a competitive world.

Nostalgic Attendees

On the other end of the spectrum are people who attend reunions purely for nostalgia and emotional connection. These individuals don’t see the reunion as an opportunity to boast or network but as a chance to reconnect with old friends and share memories of simpler times. For them, the class reunion is a space to relive the carefree days of youth and to remember the bonds they formed in school.

They talk about shared experiences, old inside jokes, and cherished memories. For many, it’s about revisiting a time when life was less complicated, and they were not burdened by the pressures of adult life. The reunion becomes a moment to reconnect with the past, with no strings attached, no competition, and no ulterior motives.

The Emotional Need Behind Reunions

Reunions reflect the emotional and psychological needs of individuals in middle age. For some, reunions are about proving their success, overcoming past self-doubt, and showcasing their achievements. For others, they are a space to reconnect with their past selves and relive moments of freedom and joy. Some use the reunion to seek business opportunities and expand their network, while others are there simply to find a sense of belonging and connection with old friends.

Reunions serve as a window into people’s emotional worlds. They allow individuals to explore unresolved feelings, unfulfilled desires, or lingering insecurities. Some people want to show they’ve overcome challenges, while others are seeking validation or reconnection. In many ways, attending a reunion is an emotional experience, one that taps into people’s deepest feelings about themselves, their past, and their future.

The Value of Reunions

Despite the varied motivations and behaviors at reunions, reunions provide an opportunity for personal reflection. For those attending with a competitive or self-promoting mindset, the key to growth is learning to let go of the need to prove oneself and accept where they are in life. For those who seek to reconnect with their past, the value lies in finding peace with the present and accepting that life has changed. Reunions, in their own way, are an opportunity to reflect on who we were, who we are now, and who we want to become.

In conclusion, reunions are not just about reconnecting with old friends or showing off success. They serve as a reminder that our past, present, and future are interconnected, and that the true meaning of these gatherings lies in how we use them to come to terms with ourselves and our own journey.

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