When people grow older, they usually strive to make something of themselves. If they're anything like me, this includes devoting most, if not all, of their lives to the career or goal they are working towards. While this is usually encouraged by professionals in any field, there is an unspoken rule that most people choose not to talk about.

People are supposed to understand when enough is enough. In a perfect world, everyone would flawlessly balance working, hobbies, religion, health, and all other components of life. However, this is a trait that is often neglected by teachers and mentors when teaching their students the ropes. Time management is rarely taught by someone else, but rather, a learned habit by all individuals.

Everyone decides their own definition of the adequate amount of time needed for each component of life, and then applies it. If this were not a known fact, financial advisers, life coaches, and even some therapists would not be needed. We are not taught this skill early on and it can damage our lives forever.

I could go on forever about the importance of time management, but I'm going to focus on managing one very crucial part of everyone's life: their mental health. It is incredibly easy to neglect this area of health and forget it needs the daily attention it requires; however, this fault will quickly catch up to you. If you are not on top of your mental health, your world will seemingly begin to fall apart for no apparent reason. The only way to protect your goals is to understand that in order to achieve them you must be in a healthy mindset.

It's easy to get caught up in your routines. In fact, I have become so busy with this semester of college, I couldn't tell you the last time I slept or focused on my health. And I only noticed because I'm writing this article. But I strongly encourage you to not become as disconnected as I am. Listen to your body, feed your mind and soul. It's just as important to read a book and give your body the rest and praise you need as it is to work towards your plans.

Your body is the vessel needed to take you to our future.

Not only the physical parts that you can easily assess, but your mental, spiritual, and emotional stability as well. I encourage you to take a second to examine yourself right now. Are you working towards your goals? And if so, are you caring for yourself? It takes more than just the wheels to keep the car running. It is your decision as to how far you'll get in life. Don't leave your health behind when you go.