Many people, including Latter-day Saints, often face a daily sense of overwhelm when we stretch ourselves too thin or try to give 110 percent in every aspect of our lives. With expectations to prioritize our work, our family, our Church callings, our personal improvement, our physical health, and so many other aspects of our lives, giving 110 percent will inevitably lead to burnout or a mental break.
In a new animated video released by the Church, this all-too-familiar hustle culture is addressed and put into a gospel perspective. You can watch the video in the player below.
In a comparison of kicking a soccer ball or baking a cake, the video teaches that minimal effort won’t get the job done, but the maximum effort may also lead to unwanted results—i.e., an over-kicked goal shot or a burnt cake. As the video states, “Optimal levels will yield the best results.”
The video shares a quote from President M. Russell Ballard’s 2006 October general conference talk: “There are those who experience some feelings of guilt as a consequence of their service in the Church. These feelings can come when our time and attention are being torn between competing demands and priorities. As mortals, we simply cannot do everything at once. Therefore we must do all things ‘in wisdom and order’ (Mosiah 4:27).”
The video concludes with this counsel: “Taking life one day at a time, one event at a time, with balanced expectations, is how we do things ‘in wisdom and order.’”
Many of the video’s comments on YouTube expressed similar feelings of burnout and appreciation for this important reminder.
Les Walker commented, “Very good video! It doesn't hurt to always have a friendly reminder to keep a balance in life. … I have found if you are rushing around all day, it means you have too many things on your to-do list that day. It's time to delete things on your daily list! You can do it. If you don't do it now, the doctor will make you do it later. It's kind of like dropping a ball, sooner or later it's going to hit the ground.”
And Samuel Thygerson shared, “As a future missionary this is an awesome video! Even doing college in between an early graduation and a mission I feel like I have to put in 100 percent of the effort to progress in my classes. This video reminded me of how we progress, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little there a little, and God is always with us as we strive to be better. You do not need to go into the fields of life with 100 percent and leave with 0 percent, instead enter with determination and a goal, step by step, and take a break when you're feeling low on energy, eat, exercise, do something. Thank you for this amazing video!”
