The theme for my coaching this week was: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Yet you might not know you chose a path of greatness over enjoyment until you are in pain or numbed out by meaningless stress.

The topic first emerged when I woke up Tuesday with excruciating back pain. After reviewing my previous day, I realized that my pain was due to my over- zealousness in exercise class. I was the only one who could do a complicated abdominal exercise. As soon as I realized everyone was watching me, I pumped out an extra set with vigor. They cheered. I loved the attention.

Then my back trumped my ego by making it tough to get out of bed the next day. I humbly waddled through the next few days.

This theme came up three times this week in coaching sessions. From differentiating a business focus to choosing to leave a job, the question came up: should I choose what I am good at or focus on what brings me joy? Also, when people tell me I am good at something, do I take on more work just to to get the applause (or money, promotions, etc)?

It is difficult to quiet our reward-seeking brain to hear the answers to the questions: What do I really want for myself? Am I killing myself at the expense of my happiness? Even though I am good at something, do I enjoy doing it? What do I neglect that is truly missing for me?

If you are feeling numb, joyless, overworked or achy, it’s time to re-assess how you spend your time and energy. Adding a little more joy in and decreasing your tendency to show off will have a huge payoff in the long run for your health, happiness and even your success.

Think about these questions. Comment here or go to my new site at www.WanderWomanBook.com and share your thoughts. And please, don’t break your back for a moment’s applause.