50%

Life often feels like we're running on a treadmill set too fast.

We push ourselves to keep up, stumble, fall, and sometimes even get sick trying to maintain an unsustainable pace. Like a machine pushed beyond its limits, we break down when we least expect it.

We live in a world that demands 100% from us all the time. Society expects us to operate at maximum capacity every day, every task, every moment as if we were robots programmed for perpetual performance.

But what if we could live at 50%?

What if we could choose a more balanced approach to life, like a long-distance runner who knows when to sprint and when to steady their pace? It's not about being lazy or unambitious; it's about being sustainable and kind to ourselves.

The truth is, it's also impossible to always live at 50%—sometimes life demands more from us. But we can be strategic about when we give 100%, like a skilled archer who knows precisely when to release their arrow.

Not everything needs your maximum effort. Some things are worth your full energy, while others can be done on a gentle cruise. Rest isn't just a luxury—it's as essential as breathing. In these moments of pause, we're not just recovering; we're preparing ourselves for the times when we truly need to shine.

When we're constantly running at full speed, life becomes a blur. We miss the subtle rhythms of life, the small joys, and the quiet moments that make our journey meaningful.

Life isn't about constantly running at maximum speed.

Sometimes, the wisest choice is to slow down, like a river that knows when to flow gently and when to surge forward. Perhaps living at 50% isn't a compromise—it's the key to being fully alive when it really counts.

This post was inspired by one of my favourite Japanese bands:

I hope you find this insightful. Remember:

It's not going to be easy,
But it's not impossible.

Your friend,
Brian.