Life is a journey, and constantly pushing yourself to the limit will only hinder your progress. Understanding the importance of balance and moderation is key to a fulfilling life and is, in itself, a form of discipline. This concept can be summed up in two words: Don’t overdo it.
1. Don’t Overwork Your Body, Learn to Love Yourself
The philosopher Schopenhauer once said, “The greatest mistake a person can make is to sacrifice health for anything else.”
A healthy body is the foundation for our existence and development. Only when we truly understand this can we truly thrive. Time passes quickly, and wealth and fame are fleeting. Without health, life becomes a mere reflection, and it’s challenging to fully embrace each day.
In a movie, the female lead exemplifies this mistake. To secure a major contract, she worked tirelessly for three months, sleeping only 3-4 hours a day. During the day, she met with clients, and at night, she stayed up late writing plans, often eating hastily to get by. This excessive workload took a toll on her body, resulting in frequent headaches. She endured the pain, taking pills to get by, believing that success would make everything worth it.
On the day she finally secured the contract and the company celebrated, she collapsed and had to be hospitalized. She was forced to take a six-month break to recover. Even after recuperating, minor illnesses continued to plague her due to her previous neglect of her health.
A memorable line from the film is: “I used to think that when I was young, I should work hard, and when I had a position and money, I could enjoy life. But now I understand that health is like money in your wallet. You think it will never run out until the day it does, and you realize you don’t even have enough to live a decent life.”
No matter how busy you are, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and exercise are crucial. Learn to cherish your body. By not overworking yourself, you show love to yourself and set yourself up for long-term success.
2. Don’t Overspend, Stay Mindful
As the saying goes, “Money isn’t everything, but without it, you can’t do anything.”
We all understand the importance of money. However, if you don’t control your spending and lack a savings plan, you may find yourself trapped in a materialistic spiral, lured by the temptations of consumerism. This can lead to a deep pit of desire and debt.
Consider the story of an office worker who admired her colleagues’ lavish lifestyles, complete with designer bags and expensive cosmetics. Determined to keep up, she started living beyond her means. When her salary couldn’t cover her expenses, she borrowed money from various sources to fund her shopping sprees. Most of her monthly income went towards luxury items, and on one occasion, she even lied to her parents to borrow money for a limited-edition pair of shoes.
Additionally, she frequently dined at upscale restaurants and traveled whenever she had free time. Her spending far exceeded her income. Eventually, she found herself in deep debt. Unable to repay her loans on time, she became anxious and stressed. Her parents had to sell their house to bail her out.
After this incident, she realized the importance of financial discipline. She started setting goals and living within her means, gradually regaining balance in her life.
Remember, “True quality of life comes from being true to yourself, understanding your abilities and conditions, and pursuing the best life within those boundaries.”
The happiest days are not those spent recklessly, but those lived mindfully and gracefully within our means.
Keep in mind, “Fortune or misfortune is not something that comes knocking on your door; it is something you bring upon yourself.”
The good or bad in our lives is not random but the result of our daily actions. When you push yourself too hard today, you deplete your fortune for tomorrow. Only through balance and moderation can you live a fulfilling life.
Don’t overwork your body; love yourself. With good health, you can pursue your passions, live a vibrant life, and accompany those you love. Don’t overspend; stay mindful. When someone falls into the trap of materialism, they lose their happiness and are filled with worry and anxiety, making it easier to make more mistakes.
From now on, may you find the discipline to control your desires, let go of greed, and live a peaceful and happy life.
