Feeling Rushed Without the Thrill: Rediscovering Joy in Your Passion

We all know the rush—that exhilarating thrill that comes from a roller coaster ride, dancing to your favorite song, or dominating a high-stakes game. It’s the adrenaline that makes you feel alive. But what happens when the rush is there, yet the thrill is gone?

Naomi Osaka recently shared her experience of rushing back into tennis after taking time off to give birth to her first child. Though she achieved notable wins against top players like Jelena Ostapenko and Ons Jabeur, she admitted that the thrill of being on the court wasn’t always present. Her journey highlights a universal challenge: when we push ourselves back into our passions too soon, we risk losing the joy that originally fueled them

Feeling rushed often comes with several drawbacks. Athletes often rush back into their sport due to injuries, external pressures, or a desire to reclaim their sense of belonging. While those are just a few and not everyone’s experiences, the feeling of being rushed always lead to that feeling of urgency and to get things done. That can lead to the opposite of stepping forward; setback.

When you feel rushed without the thrill, it’s important to slow down and find your P.A.C.E. We love an acronym. Pause to reflect, Assess your situation, Choose your actions wisely, and Engage with intention. This approach can help you rediscover the joy and meaning behind your pursuits.

Pause – Take a moment to breathe and reflect before jumping into action.

Assess – Identify where your urgency is coming from. Is it internal pressure, external demands, or fear of missing out?

Choose – Decide on your next step with intention rather than impulse.

Engage – Move forward mindfully, ensuring your actions align with your goals and values.