Dear Reader,

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the balance between striving, improving, and growing—and presence, compassion, and care towards oneself.

I’m coming to realise that perhaps there isn't a clear, correct delineation between the two. This balance shapes and shifts during different seasons of our lives, our cycles, or even within a single week.

For me, the primary focus for the past few years has been to step back within myself. To nourish and care for myself, to make life more sustainable (emotionally, energetically, and physically), and to listen clearly to my drive to take action—considering whether it is coming from a place of inherited "shoulds" and expectations, or something truly value-driven and aligned with who I am and what I want to become.

Recently, though, I picked up a book called The Miracle Morning, all about setting your day up well to succeed. It’s written from the premise that in order to achieve what we want in life (materially, relationally, or otherwise), we need to be our best selves first. It’s about implementing a self-improvement practice first and then going from there.

I see the benefit of this and the importance of not only being intentional with our time and lives, but taking responsibility for it—not letting the current of the day-to-day sweep us along as passive recipients of our own lives.

So, I’ve started implementing this over the last few days myself.

It’s been an interesting experience, playing along that line of striving without falling into pushing or hustling. Knowing that waking up an extra 30–40 minutes early, despite not wanting to in the moment, is better for me in the long run.

It has me sitting with a couple questions:

How do we find the balance between self-compassion and self-discipline?
How do we aim for growth without slipping back into productivity-based worth?

At least, for me, I wonder if it’s partly the difference between getting caught up in the doing and forgetting about the being.

Perhaps the difference isn't what we are doing, but where the action comes from. Hustle demands that we change because who we are right now isn't "enough." Alignment asks us to grow simply because we care about our potential, while holding our current self with deep compassion.

We aren't designed to stay permanently in pure stillness, nor are we meant to live in constant, relentless pursuit. The art is learning how to hold both: using intentional structure to support us, while remaining deeply anchored in the present moment.

I’m curious to hear your thoughts. Is it one or the other for you—being present & still versus striving & doing? Or does that balance come easily for you?

Hit reply and let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

With love and warmth, Zac ♥

Dr Zac Elizabeth Buchanan | Clinical Psychologist​
The Return
​drzacelizabeth.com @dr.zacelizabeth​