"لا أريد أن أشعر بأنني بذلت كل هذا الجهد وابتعدت عن عائلتي فقط لأفعل شيئاً أنانياً."

Nobody wants to feel like all their hard work and sacrifices, especially time away from family, are for something selfish. This sentiment emphasizes valuing purpose and selflessness over mere personal gain. It’s about making sure the efforts and sacrifices we put in have a meaningful, positive impact on those we care about, and not just for personal glory or success.

Let’s take a step back and think about why someone might say this. Imagine a parent who spends long hours at work, missing countless family dinners, school plays, and soccer games. It’s not uncommon for them to occasionally pause and question: "Am I doing this just for my own ambition, or is there a bigger, more selfless reason behind it?"

Picture an entrepreneur, let’s call her Sarah. Sarah has been grinding day and night, building her business from the ground up. She’s missed birthdays, anniversaries, and even her daughter's first steps. One night, after yet another late meeting, she sits down and evaluates her journey. She realizes that all this effort isn’t just for her own success—it's to provide a better future for her family, to create something that her children can be proud of, and maybe even a legacy they can carry on.

For Sarah, the practical application of this realization is about balance and perspective. She starts by ensuring she’s present for the important moments. She might delegate more at work or set stricter boundaries about not checking emails after a certain time. She aligns her business goals with her family values, making decisions that benefit not just her career, but also her loved ones.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by asking yourself, "What’s driving me?" If you find that your hard work is creating a gap between you and your family, it might be time to adjust your priorities. Make a conscious effort to involve your family in your journey. Share your work experiences with them, ask for their opinions, and let them be part of your success story. It’s not about stopping your hustle—it's about making your hustle part of a bigger, more meaningful narrative.

Imagine this: You’re working late at the office again. Your phone buzzes with a picture from your partner—it’s a photo of your kids playing in the backyard, laughing and carefree. It hits you. All those extra hours and sacrifices are for them, but they’re also missing you, right now. Wouldn’t it be great to be there with them? Next time, consider wrapping up early to surprise your family, show them they are your priority.

In essence, it’s about finding a balance where your hard work and sacrifices don’t just yield personal gains but also enrich the lives of those you love. By doing so, you ensure that the time away and the effort put in are not perceived as selfish endeavors but as acts of love and commitment.