In a world obsessed with chasing success and validation through performance, it's high time we confront the dark underbelly of this relentless pursuit. The notion that everything from purpose to art is only worthwhile if it's framed as a performance is not only misguided but downright dehumanizing.

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." — Diane Ackerman

We live in an era where we're constantly told that our worth hinges on the number of achievements we can pile up. But in this race to the top, we're losing sight of what it truly means to be human. The dangerous fallacy that equates purpose with a LinkedIn-worthy job title, belonging with superficial connections in a mere attempt to fit-in, diversity with tokenism, mindfulness with productivity hacks, and art with marketability & entertainment is corroding the core of our existence.

Let's face the uncomfortable truth: reducing the most profound facets of our lives to mere performance indicators strips them of their intrinsic value.

Purpose should be about (personal) fulfillment, not a never-ending quest for professional accolades.

Belonging should be an authentic connection, not a facade to please others or fit-in.

Diversity should be valued for the unique perspectives it brings, not just as a checkbox on a corporate report.

Mindfulness should be a journey to self-discovery, not an efficiency tool.

Art should be a raw expression of the soul, not a product for mass consumption.

What we do depends on who we are and on the “quality” of our being.

When what we do or choose to do depends (only) on performance or driven by it, we are reduced to a simple assembly line. Maybe highly efficient but, far from being human.

It's high time to break free from the cult of performance-driven living and rediscover our humanity. Let's stop sacrificing our well-being at the altar of success. Embrace a life where meaning and authenticity triumph over superficial accomplishments. Reject the notion that our self-worth should be measured by outer outcomes. It's time to redefine what it means to truly live, connect, and create – beyond the shallow applause of performance culture.

We have a lingering, incessant fear of being seen and judged which, often, too often, leads us into performing rather than being... A form of rejection of the integrity of our beings. We perform to be seen, but are never SEEN. To be loved, but never LOVED. To be accepted, but never ACCEPTED... Shall I continue? It’s a spiral of performance anxiety.

It's time to free ourselves from the shackles of performance-driven living and reconnect with the genuine, the meaningful, and the truly humane aspects of our existence.

"We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." — Howard Zinn (Historian, social activist)

Let's do together some creative and artistic explorations that can help us break free from the performance trap:

How often do you perform for the approval of others? Reflect on the instances when you've acted or made choices solely to gain external validation. Are these actions in alignment with your authentic self? What activities, hobbies, anything brings you joy without the need for recognition?
Dedicate time each week to engage in a creative activity without any specific goal. Whether it's painting, writing, or dancing, allow yourself to explore and create without the need for a finished product.
Collaborate with friends or family on creative projects. These can be a fun way to foster a sense of belonging and create art for the joy of the process rather than the outcome.
Spend time in silent reflection and let your emotions flow onto the canvas. This can be a deeply personal and meditative experience.

I encourage you to experiment with these creative and artistic explorations as a means to break free from the performance trap and rediscover the joy of self-expression. Art has the power to reconnect us with our authenticity and humanity.

Remember, personal development and evolution often begin with self-awareness. Every year I launch a self paced course to guide you to reconnect with your truest self, rediscover what brings you joy beyond performance's traps and achievements. We start January 1st, 2024. This year there is an extra week (5 weeks in total) specifically dedicated to explore the difference between self-esteem and self-worth. You can register here.

If you’re interested in learning more about RNEWB services and would like to discuss any consultancy, workshops, talks, please reach out.

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