Sherry Shinde on Shifting Obsessions: From Work to Well-being

In a recent LinkedIn post, Sherry Shinde discusses a significant personal shift in focus, moving from an all-consuming work obsession to a dedicated pursuit of self-care and optimization. Shinde frames this transition not as a reduction in intensity, but as a redirection of her inherent drive towards personal well-being.

Shinde begins by detailing the practical steps she has taken in her self-care journey:

“Health checkups. Eating better. Paying attention to what I was low on instead of ignoring it. Sleeping like it matters. The boring stuff.”

This commitment to the fundamentals, often overlooked in the pursuit of professional success, has yielded noticeable results. As Shinde notes, the experience has been transformative:

“It feels cool to work on my body. To feel my energy change. To wake up and not feel heavy. To feel proud of my performance without feeling destroyed.”

The Nature of Obsession and Intensity

A central theme in Shinde’s reflection is the concept of obsession. She acknowledges a pattern of intense focus, which previously was directed almost exclusively towards work and productivity. Shinde suggests that her high-intensity approach hasn’t vanished but has instead found a new, healthier outlet.

“Before, I used to just work all the time. Work was the obsession. Productivity was the personality. Then that slowed down. And the obsession moved. Now it’s health. Energy. Optimization. Feeling “on.” Different focus. Same intensity,” she writes.

This redirection of intensity is a key point of her analysis. Shinde doesn’t present it as a lesser form of dedication but as an evolution of her drive. She highlights the positive impact this has had on her overall state.

From ‘Grinding’ to Awareness

Shinde articulates a departure from the relentless ‘grind’ culture often celebrated in professional circles. She describes a new state of being that is neither pure relaxation nor aggressive striving, but a form of mindful awareness. This space allows for a deeper understanding of personal energy and needs.

“I’m in a strange space these days. Not grinding like before. Not fully relaxed either. Just… aware. Aware of how I feel. Aware of what drains me. Aware that life can be more than just pushing,” Shinde shares.

This shift, while described as potentially confusing, is ultimately viewed as a positive development. Shinde expresses a sense of pride in her newfound self-regard and the ability to prioritize her well-being without sacrificing her inherent drive.

The post concludes with an open question to her network, inviting them to share their current obsessions, further engaging her audience in a dialogue about focus, priorities, and personal evolution.