When we’re young, we’re told to attend school. When we become adults, we’re told to work to make a living. But nowadays, many people view work as a negative thing, almost like enslaving yourself to society—working to enrich someone else while you’re paid a wage that barely reflects your efforts.
But is that really the case? Or are we simply looking at things from the wrong angle?
I used to think that working for others was a bad thing, that the only way to live freely was to work for myself. But what does that really mean? What does “working for yourself” entail?
Let’s take a moment to shift perspectives: when you’re young, your parents work to put food on the table. In order to earn a living, they—like all of us—have to solve someone else’s problem. That’s what work is at its core: solving problems for others.
Now imagine going up to someone on the street and saying, “Can you give me money?” They’d probably tell you to get lost. But if you approached them with something that addressed their needs, something related to their health, wealth, relationships, or happiness, they would be much more likely to listen and even act on the opportunity.
So why do we feel conflicted about earning money while helping others?
Let’s take a simple example: Your friend Jeffrey’s laptop just broke, and he’s looking for a new one. You have two options:
Option A: You refer him to a random shop that sells laptops.
Option B: You send him your affiliate link to Shopee to buy the same laptop, which earns you a 5% commission for the sale.
In both cases, you’ve helped Jeffrey solve his problem. He gets a laptop, and he’s grateful to you for the recommendation. But in Option B, you also receive compensation for your effort—a win-win for both parties.
This is a basic form of affiliate marketing, or what we might call sales in everyday situations. It’s a clear example of how you can help others and earn money at the same time.
So, is earning a wage from solving someone’s problem really a bad thing? No, it’s just the way value is exchanged in our society.
But while work and earning money are important, so is making space for yourself. We live in a world that constantly demands our attention—emails, social media notifications, deadlines, meetings. It’s easy to get swept up in the rush, losing sight of the bigger picture. And when that happens, we disconnect from the things that truly matter: our mental well-being, our passions, and our sense of purpose.
Our soul thrives in the spaces between the noise. The moments when you step away from the hustle, even for a short time, are the moments where true growth begins. The constant noise of life drowns out our inner voice, the one that knows what we really need to be happy, fulfilled, and at peace.
If you don’t take time to unplug, you’ll lose touch with this voice. Over time, that can lead to burnout, frustration, and a feeling of emptiness—where you’re achieving external success but missing the internal satisfaction that makes life meaningful.
Why is it so important to make space for yourself?
Mental Clarity
In the midst of endless tasks and responsibilities, our minds can become cluttered and chaotic. By making time for solitude, you create a mental reset button. Silence allows your thoughts to settle, like dirt in water. When the noise subsides, the clarity you’ve been searching for naturally emerges.
Emotional Resilience
Regular moments of stillness help you process your emotions. Without silence, it’s easy to ignore or push aside feelings, letting them build up unnoticed. Solitude gives you space to reflect on what’s really happening inside, so you can deal with stress, anxiety, or frustration before they overwhelm you.
Connecting with Your Inner Self
In the busyness of life, we often lose touch with our core values and what brings us joy. When you create quiet moments, it becomes easier to connect with your intuition, your dreams, and your sense of purpose. It’s here that you discover your true desires—the things that drive you beyond just making a living, toward truly living.
Creativity and Inspiration: The most creative ideas often come during moments of stillness. When your mind is free from distraction, it can explore new connections and possibilities that weren’t apparent before. Many artists, writers, and entrepreneurs make solitude a regular practice because it sparks their most brilliant ideas.
Balance Between Work and Life: No matter how driven or successful you are, your energy is finite. Creating space for yourself allows you to recharge and find balance between work and personal fulfillment. It’s not about abandoning your responsibilities but about making sure you have the energy and focus to approach them with renewed vigor.
How can you make time for solitude and silence in your daily life?
Morning Routine
Start your day with a few minutes of stillness before jumping into the chaos. Meditate, take a mindful walk, or simply sit in silence with your coffee. This sets the tone for a more centered and focused day.
Digital Detox
Set aside time each day to step away from your devices—turn off your phone, close your laptop, and disconnect from social media. Even a short break can do wonders for your mental clarity.
Mindful Breaks
During your workday, take short moments to pause and breathe deeply. It’s a simple practice, but it can help reset your mind and reduce stress. Even stepping outside for five minutes of fresh air can make a big difference.
Nature
Spend time in nature as often as you can. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike, or just sitting by a body of water, the natural world has a calming effect on the mind and body, offering a chance to reconnect with yourself.
End of Day Reflection
Before bed, take a moment to reflect on the day. What went well? What challenges did you face? How did you feel? This quiet reflection helps process emotions and clear your mind for restful sleep.
It’s in these spaces where the voice of your soul speaks the loudest.
When you make time for solitude and silence, you give yourself permission to tune out the distractions and tune into what truly matters. You gain clarity on your goals, understand your emotional needs, and find the balance between work, purpose, and peace.
So, how are you creating space for your soul today? Are you giving yourself the quiet time needed to listen to your inner voice? Remember, the hustle will always be there, but moments of stillness are what ground you and keep you connected to your truest self. It’s in these moments that you grow, both personally and professionally.