In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks and responsibilities that demand our attention. This article explores the concept of the 'Superman Syndrome', a term coined by Robert Kamm in his book of the same name, and offers practical advice on how to regain control and balance in our lives.
The Superman Syndrome refers to the inability or unwillingness to switch off from our work and responsibilities, whether it's our cell phones, computers, or our own minds. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in the Information Age, where we are constantly bombarded with information and demands on our time. According to Kamm, Americans are working an average of six weeks to three months more per year than they did just a decade ago. Furthermore, over 70% of office workers work weekends, and a similar percentage of American parents feel they don't spend enough time with their children. This constant state of distraction and busyness is arguably one of the biggest challenges our generation faces.
Many people come to me feeling overwhelmed and seeking more control and balance in their lives. I often tell them that the first step to regaining control is to shed the 'Superman cape'. This means bypassing external distractions and demands, looking inward to identify our own values and priorities, and making choices that align with these values. For instance, if you value your health and family but are working too many hours to take care of yourself or spend time with your loved ones, then you've lost control of your life.
Kamm argues that the commitment to slow down and focus on what truly matters must be made at both the individual and corporate level. He criticizes the dangerous workplace success formula that forces employees to sacrifice their personal lives and families for the sake of business productivity. This represents a major hypocrisy in many American boardrooms: the belief that we should be accountable to work but not to our families.
Change, even positive change, can be stressful for most people. Today, the speed of change is doubling exponentially every 18 months, leading to a rise in stress-related illnesses and deaths. It's not the change itself that's problematic, but our inability to adapt to it. We are creatures of habit, and old patterns are hard to break, even when they no longer serve us well. That's why practices such as yoga, meditation, and life coaching have become increasingly popular.
In a commencement address to the graduating class of Villanova University, novelist Anna Quindlen shared some valuable life lessons. She emphasized the importance of not confusing work with life, and urged the graduates to live a life that is not solely focused on the pursuit of promotions, bigger paychecks, and larger houses. She encouraged them to find people they love and to be generous, reminding them that life is the best thing ever and should not be taken for granted.
If you're struggling to regain control and balance in your life, here are some concrete steps you can take:
Identify what you love to do: Write down what you would do if you had more time or if you were diagnosed with a terminal illness. Then, schedule time to do these things.
Identify your values: List 10-20 people you admire and the qualities you admire in them. These qualities are your values. Reflect on how you can honor these values regularly.
Identify your priorities and passions: Imagine what you would want people to say about you at your 100th birthday party. What matters most to you? What are you most passionate about? Plan to do these things regularly.
Remember, it's never too late or too early to settle for more. When you're ready to settle for more, whether professionally or personally, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
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