There’s a difference between being committed to an activity and being committed to your values. Many men are challenged when having to stop doing something that they’ve previously said yes to. I think it comes from the belief that if you don’t finish something you start, it equals failure.
I see things quite differently, especially in this stage. I spoke with someone who signed up to volunteer at a local food bank. He went week after week, loading boxes or doing whatever was asked.
“It’s a great cause,” he told me.
“Are you enjoying it?”
“Actually, it isn’t what I had hoped for. I really wanted to do something with more interpersonal connection with others. Here, I am just solo doing what I’m asked.”
It brings up a very important idea regarding what you say yes to and what you say no to. When something no longer provides the essence of what you’re looking for, what you need, and what lights you up… it’s time to rethink.
