“Duty bound” such a noble sounding phrase. It is, until you find out that the duty you had bound yourself to was actually a psychological trick that the ego locked you in.
It’s not your fault though. I would chalk it all up to the old saying; “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. You legit meant well in all your doings.
And more than likely, if you’re like me, the burnout cycle got faster and faster.
Again, not your fault. More of a misunderstanding due to the unrealized Obligation Loop.
That’s what happened to me. And no I didn’t know it until the past couple of days.
How do you break free?
Firstly, identify it. How? Ask yourself the most obvious question: Why am I doing this thing that appears to have merit but hurts. A lot.
Walk away. Then let the question simmer.
The ask the next question: Who asked me to do it?
Once you go through that list, if one forms, who’s paying you to do it?
For me the answer became clear: Me!
Why? (Always the biggest little question)
For me it was my initial connection and purpose to what I was doing in the first place. Nearly 20 years ago. The thing is though? That actual reason disappeared. However my stubbornness, work ethic and complacency, I wouldn’t let it go. I mislabeled it as “purpose and passion”.
Only now do I see it. So now I fix it.
And that ain’t exactly easy.
But neither is loosing 50 pounds.
But I (and you) CAN do it!
We’ll talk more about that tomorrow… I’m staying off the treadmill and going on a hike… of sorts.
Jim 04/07/2025
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