06/08/2026
I loved my time in the military.
I loved the responsibility, the purpose and being part of something bigger than myself. Working hard wasnât the problem. In fact, I wore it as a *badge of honour*.
If youâd asked me back then whether work had become my priority, Iâd probably have said no.
I wouldâve told you I was âjust committedâ.
When youâre living inside that environment, the way you organise your life feels completely normal. Cancelling plans because work needs you, running on empty because everyone else is too, promising yourself youâll make time for the gym, your friends or your family when things âsettle downâ (famous last words!).
You donât question it because everyone around you is doing EXACTLY the same.
It wasnât until I stepped away that I could zoom out and realise Iâd been measuring success almost entirely by what happened at work, while assuming everything else would still be there whenever I got round to it.
Brian Dysonâs analogy has stayed with me ever since because it gives you a different lens to look through.
Instead of asking, âHow do I fit more into my week?â it asks something much more uncomfortable:
What have I been treating like itâll always bounce back?
Sometimes you need to zoom out before you realise youâve been protecting the wrong ball all along.
Which part of your life are you currently treating as the ârubber ballâ?
