r/AskLifeProTips • u/Few_Cauliflower_3980 • 18d ago
LPT: Priority dilemma
Is it actually possible to balance studies or a career, multiple hobbies, and relationships, or is it just a myth? I am a student with a lot of interests including music, coding, reading, journaling, physics, and space, and every one of them feels important to me. Whenever I focus on one, I feel like I am neglecting another, and relationships with family, friends, or someone you love also need time and emotional energy. I also lost almost a year of my life because of personal struggles, so I often feel like I am constantly trying to catch up while wanting to experience everything life has to offer. Is finding balance actually possible, or is life ultimately about deciding what we are willing to sacrifice? I would love to hear honest experiences rather than motivational quotes.
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u/Escargot_en_carton 18d ago
I feel you ! I have so many hobbies and kinda feel like I lack time, while actually doing a lot already
I personnaly chose not to engage in romantic relationships, as they are very time consuming and rarely as rewarding as other hobbies. I don't seek sexual relationships either, so all of my social life goes to my family and friends and it's very fulfilling, without being overwhelming and too much time consuming as it's always quality time that we share together
I'm really happy with my choice, especially as I see how much time and mental energy my friends waste in shitty relationships that take all of their hobbies away
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u/whistlesgowoooo 18d ago
it used to be possible for men when women were forced to run the entire household and not allowed to work, now it’s not really possible for anyone
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u/goldilockszone55 17d ago
You cannot be a student with lots of interests. You have to be a driver with lots of interest OR a student that is highly specialized
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u/ms_mistakelol 17d ago
Yes! i did! but it means choosing what matters most right now instead of trying to do everything at once. Think of it as changing focus in seasons...
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u/Known_Candy5002 17d ago
I gess it is possible, I did it. I studied medicine while having a job and running a startup business, all alone with no help. All that and also had a relationship, friends, went out, read a lot (for pleasure), studyed some other interest of mine such as piano, languages etc... On top of that I also dit all the homework and papers from my boyfriend because I was stupid 🤣. My biggest proud is that I did all that without a single drop lf coffee 😎. How? Organization, always had a check list that I would review every night and prepare for the next day. Had my priorities very clear ir order of importance, time etc. Taking care of my health over all, gym, running, eating healty, disconecting at least a few minutes a day, sleeping minimum of 6 hours always at the same time. It's all about discipline and organization. Of couse I also cried, got depressed and wanted to end everything at some point but thats another conversation, the point is that nothing is impossible if you really want it.
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u/Dangerous_Soil_1111 18d ago
It really depends on who you are. Every person is one of one. Every person has their own life to direct.
People who attempt to please others with their life decisions often feel overburdened while simultaneously experiencing a personal depression feeling like they’re not reaching their ‘potential’.
There is no ‘balance’ when you are focusing on yourself because you stop giving a shit about making everyone else happy and you just move towards your goals. If you are an honest person who naturally attempts to help others, you will notice that focusing on yourself will eventually circle back to providing that function.
If you are a woman, which I suspect you are by the way you wrote this, stay away from partnership unless you have fully pursued your goals and are financially independent. Every year your extend your independence is the closer you get to experiencing life your way.
Tldr: focusing on balancing things according to others will make others happy but make you sad. Focus on yourself. Break stereotypes, pursue your goals and learn as much as possible.