Joseph Kopser’s insight into these unrealistic societal expectations is both timely and necessary. He challenges the pervasive belief that to be successful, one must be productive every second of the day, with every moment perfectly scheduled and every goal meticulously pursued. This mindset, he argues, is not only unrealistic but also unhealthy.
“It’s unhealthy to believe you need to be perfectly scheduled and productive every second of the day.”
When we measure our lives against the curated images and success stories of others, particularly on social media, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling short. The reality, however, is that no one’s life is as flawless as it might appear online. The polished portrayals of others’ successes often omit the struggles, failures, and moments of rest that are just as essential to any journey. This relentless pursuit of productivity can also rob us of the simple pleasures of life — moments of quiet, time spent with loved ones, and the joy of simply being present. When every moment is driven by the need to achieve, we lose sight of the importance of balance, relaxation, and mental well-being.
To find balance between societal expectations and our own, it’s crucial to step back and reassess what truly matters to us. This involves setting personal boundaries and being intentional about how we spend our time. Joseph Kopser advocates for scheduling downtime, recognizing that rest is not a luxury but a necessity.
In today’s world, where technology is omnipresent, finding balance extends beyond managing time and expectations — it also means managing our relationship with technology itself. While technology offers unparalleled convenience and efficiency, it’s easy to become overly reliant on it, leading to a sense of constant connectedness that can amplify societal pressures. The digital world, with its endless stream of notifications, updates, and social comparisons, can make it difficult to disconnect and focus on what truly matters.
Joseph Kopser emphasizes the importance of not becoming completely reliant on technology. He suggests that to maintain a healthy balance, we need to be prepared for situations where technology might fail and actively choose to unplug and reconnect with the real world. This might involve simple practices like keeping basic supplies for emergencies, learning non-digital skills, or setting aside time to disconnect from screens and engage in activities that nourish our minds and bodies.
One of the key strategies in balancing these expectations is to cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion. Understanding that it’s okay to not be productive every moment of the day allows us to let go of the guilt that often accompanies rest. It’s about accepting that perfection is neither attainable nor desirable. By consciously choosing to unplug from technology and societal pressures, we can reclaim our time and focus on what truly matters to us.
“As you get older, you learn that you make time for what’s most important to you.”
Another crucial aspect of finding balance is recognizing the fundamental human need for community. Joseph Kopser discusses how our health and well-being are directly impacted by the strength of our social connections. He encourages people to actively build and maintain their communities, noting that those with more friends and social connections tend to live longer and healthier lives.
“Those with more friends by their own definition live longer, full stop.”
Community provides us with a support system that technology cannot replace. It offers real, tangible connections that enrich our lives, help us navigate challenges, and bring us joy. By prioritizing relationships and fostering a sense of belonging, we can create a life that is not only successful by our own standards but also deeply fulfilling.
Ultimately, finding balance involves redefining what success means on our own terms, rather than allowing societal standards to dictate it. Success should not be measured solely by our accomplishments or how efficiently we manage our time, but also by the quality of our relationships, our mental and physical health, and our ability to enjoy life’s journey.
As Joseph points out, life is precious, and time is a finite resource. How we choose to spend that time should reflect our values, not just the demands or expectations of others. By prioritizing what truly matters to us, managing our relationship with technology, and fostering strong communities, we can create a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and uniquely our own.
Listen to Building Teams and Tackling Challenges with Joseph Kopser, Military Veteran and Tech Entrepreneur
Joseph Kopser: Joseph Kopser is a technology entrepreneur and public speaker with a diverse background in innovation, leadership, and strategic advisory roles. He co-founded and scaled RideScout, later acquired by Mercedes, and served 20 years in the U.S. Army. After selling RideScout, Joseph guided Mercedes in its mobility evolution and co-authored “Catalyst,” addressing economic challenges and opportunities.
His experience includes running for Congress, serving as Executive-in-Residence at UT-Austin’s McCombs School of Business, and mentoring startups. At Grayline, Joseph helps organizations navigate disruptive change through expert insights and data-driven solutions.
Recognized as a White House Champion of Change and awarded the U.S. Department of Transportation Data Innovation Award, Joseph is committed to supporting veteran entrepreneurs through The Bunker and advancing cleantech initiatives with CleanTX Foundation. His expertise spans transportation, smart cities, urban mobility, energy, and national security.
Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program
Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.
Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
The pressures and expectations set by society, particularly in today’s hyper-connected world, can feel overwhelming. We are bombarded daily with images and messages that promote an idealized version of life — one where success is measured by constant productivity, flawless time management, and an unrelenting drive to achieve more. These expectations, magnified by social media, can create a false narrative that everyone else has their life perfectly organized, leaving little room for rest, self-reflection, or simply being.
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