rat race

The rat race is a term often used to describe work, particularly excessive work; in general terms, if one works too much, one is in the rat race. This terminology contains implications that many people see work as a seemingly endless pursuit with little reward or purpose. Not all workers feel like that. It is the perceived Conventional Wisdom, for example, that those who work for themselves are generally happier at work.

The increased image of work as a "rat race" in modern times has led many to question their own attitudes to work and seek a better alternative; a more harmonious Work-life balance. Many believe that long work hours, unpaid overtime, stressful jobs, time spent commuting, less time for family life and/or friends life, has led to a generally unhappier workforce/population unable to enjoy the benefits of increased economic prosperity and a higher standard of living.

Fear???

Are you driven by fear?

Many of us focus so much on methods, tactics, or MEANS, that we forget what result, what END we're seeking.
Take escaping the rat race, for example. You might be so keen on getting out of the uncertainty of a 9-to-5 job, so keep on leaving corporate politics behind, so keen on not doing mindless work that you don't care about... that you focus solely on getting out.

Without investing your best brain work on what to get into... after you make it out.

Allowing yourself to be driven by THE ESCAPE is fear-based... and has a lower rate of success than allowing yourself to be motivated by your new life. Your true calling. YOUR PURPOSE.

Listen, the purpose thing doesn't have to be that heavy. It doesn't have to be what will be written on your tombstone. But it should be something that you are passionate enough about, right now, that you would do it for free. Heck, you would even pay someone to get to do this every day.


So lose the vision of living large on a Caribbean island, touring the world, etc.

Those are the side perks, and there's nothing wrong with them. But they're not the main event. They're not part of your personal, self-created formula for success.


Instead, focus all your immediate positive energy, on figuring out what fills you with passion. Design your job for the next 5 years - totally income-independent. But big on impact.


Then go out and start doing that new job.Your rat race escape will take the cue, and follow the lead.