Have you been working over the past few days?
I asked this question on Twitter and via my Facebook page yesterday and got some very interesting responses. Almost everyone who responded, said they had been working, but ONLY because they loved what they do. In other words, they were working because for them, work is enjoyable – Rather than something they want to avoid.
A few people even questioned whether what they were doing could be classed as work. I find myself in both those groups. I work with fantastic people and I work on extremely interesting projects and as a result, I look forward to working.
The need for balance
As Danny Brown mentioned last month, even if we love what we do, there’s a need for balance. When work becomes play, the temptation is to keep playing. The challenge here, is that we risk overdoing it without even knowing it! Now, whilst I have never experienced health issues from working too many hours, I find that it DOES help my creativity massively, when I walk away from my desk for a few days. So that’s what I do.
When I set this business up, back in 1995, I worked for 3 years without a vacation – Stopping only on Sundays and on Christmas Day. I was 29, had no kids and my business needed me. Then, I took a break and realised how stupid I had been, not to have had a break MUCH sooner. After a week away from the office, I generated more ideas and made more progress than ever. I didn’t know I needed a break, but I very clearly did.
Working can, and should be fun. If you find yourself wanting not to work because your work is too stressful or you just don’t enjoy it any more, change it. You are a business owner, which means YOU are in control. Design your business so that it excites and inspires you. As my mentor used to say:
If you don’t like where you are – Move! You’re not a tree!
If like most business owners you LOVE what you do, always be aware of the need for balance. Paradoxically, by working a little less, you often find that you achieve a little more.
Your feedback please
Have you been working this week? What’s your take on the work / life balance?
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I have been working this week and I do know what you and Danny both said about work becoming play because it is for me too. But since I don’t have small children or other things to do at this point, I am fine with working. Wisconsin is cold and snowy now and I would much rather take off when it is warm and sunny. But I am going out with a friend later for lunch or shopping or something so I am working on it a bit.
The balance will be different for different people. For me, it’s about getting the rest your mind and body needs.
Thanks Julie.
Unfortunately work has been my “play” for the last 6 years and it’s only recently that I’m figuring out how to step away from the computer and go back to doing the things I used to love to do.
It helps that every time I take a break and step away, I see results. For some reason, I make more money when I’m out. O.o
On top of which, some of your best ideas can come from not being in front of the computer all day. I think up websites while I’m out and about, not while staring at my screen wondering what’s next.
Hopefully 2011 will be less stressful year where everyone can learn the value of relaxing. =)
I also find my best ideas come when I am away from the confines of an office.
Good luck on finding a better balance for yourself in 2011, Corey!
I must say, that I have learned this from You how to create a great place for myself. Jim Connolly You have been my 2010 inspiration and hope to k=continue learning & sharing ideas / thoughts with you for many more years to come THANK YOU My Friend.
Happy New Year 2011 from Us @STRAIGHTALK
Thanks Norman. I’m going to keep on keeping on
You cannot have success without balance and you cannot have balance without disconnecting.
I spend days (sometimes a full week) away from the internet and am perfectly fine doing so. I take these breaks whenever I want or feel I need to.
But I’ve been a virtual assistant and fully connected (on my person) since 2001. I learned all of this the hard way years ago.
Now when I try to explain to attorneys they need to disconnect & turn the BB off, they are none to pleased.
However, the ones who listen and heed my advice become less stressed and more balanced – making them better lawyers, better people and more productive when they are “on”.
It’s like waking up from a dream – you didn’t realize how stressed you were from being connected all the time, until you’re not connected anymore – and you enjoy the silence and think “Why didn’t I disconnect sooner!?”.
Hello Andrea. The word balance crops up again and again here, because it’s where the gold is. I am 100% connected during office hours, but I disconnect 100% from work, during non-work time. If I am with my family, I am with them in person – Not checking email on my phone. I see that a lot and wonder if people REALLY need to do it. Thanks for the feedback Andrea.
There’s a marvellous Da Vinci quote:
“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgement will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.”
If it’s good enough for Leonardo then it’s good enough for me!
Thanks for sharing that quote, Peter. I remain stunned at the insight that genius possessed.
Jim, thanks for this. I agree we need a break and we have a good holiday booked in the Spring. I do take time off at other times because like you, that’s when I have my best ideas.
I have been working this week. I enjoy what I do and am working on a new venture which hasn’t “gone live” yet. I think this should be fun too.
I have still found some family time and had inspiration while out walking. You have helped my thinking too, so thanks, Jim.
I get my best ideas, when disconnected from the office. I aim to do even more walking in 2011 too.
Thanks for the kind words, Jon.
Great questions and thoughts as usual, Jim. It’s a difficult thing to do, get the balance right. Some would say it’s easier when you work for yourself, because then you don’t have to worry about not having a choice with a dictator boss.
Of course, the the question becomes, do you recognize when you’re working too hard, or is it bypassed because you’re passionate?
Personally, we closed the office down on December 23rd and are re-opening on January 3rd. We had a mini-client meet yesterday for someone who we’re helping launch a new e-commerce store, and we’re doing some brainstorming over email/IM for 2011.
But apart from that, we’re relaxing, finding our family time again, and our time again. Since Bonsai Interactive launched, both Troy Claus and myself have been working non-stop and we’re feeling it.
So yes, this holiday season, we’re taking downtime.
Besides, our best ideas come over an Xbox session on FIFA 11…
Thanks for all you’ve done this year, Jim – been a privilege getting to know you better, mate, and here’s to that dram in 2011.
Thanks for the kind words and your friendship in 2011, Danny!
However, what does Troy know about football?
Haha, great point mate – I think he keeps getting it mixed up with a pigskin…
[...] but couldn’t help but hear Jim Connolly speaking to me when I read his post this morning, Have you been working this week? Jim also mentions Danny Brown’s post, the Danger of Not Work which also discusses this issue. [...]
There definitely needs to be a balance, but in competitive industries where you’re at the top (or very close to it), that “balance” is smaller than what others take.
I know some business owners that take 6-8 weeks of vacation each year. And others that take a few days here and there. Myself, one week off in the summer, and I sprinkle in a few days off as the situation allows.
But, as Chris Brogan wrote: “Work now while they’re coasting.”
To get ahead, you have to put in the time/work. But don’t kill yourself in the process.
Some very wise words there, Rob (as usual.)
Perspective and balance. that’s a great mix.
I love what I do, and then some! So, yes, I completely understand about the need to keep things balanced … and need to make some improvements in that area myself!
As well as a few days off doing very little, I’m amidst a rebuild of my jewellery workshop which a very different activity and good physical exercise – so I’m moving in the right direction!
Thanks James, Gee.
Hi Gee. We all have room for improvement (thankfully). Not everyone seeks to improve their situation, but for those who do, the rewards can be amazing.