Team Days Off
April 03, 2013
By Katrice
I'm totally against the rising notion of being so busy that you refuse to dedicate down time to regrouping. I just am.
I've noticed more and more, since I've been ubiquitous on social media, that there is a resounding hype around moving nonstop ... or at least appearing to be moving nonstop. Via my work for a business lifestyle magazine, I do realize that this, in fact, is the life of many entrepreneurs; It's just necessary. But even a small business owner who is the sole provider of their livelihood needs down time. Anyway ... I digress.
I can go for a long time without taking vacation time. I enjoy a lot of excursions but even those are work-oriented as I am cultivating my travel writing savvy. So when I finally realize that I'm in need of a bit of rest and relaxation, I'm completely burnt out. It goes something like this: I'll literally be taking days to finish one day's To Do list, hitting snooze multiple times, napping in the evenings after work, procrastinating, et cetera, et cetera. I give these examples only to illustrate how beside myself I get before I realize that it's time to stop and renew. I'm in a constant struggle with myself for balance and I will not give in.
I simply do not believe anyone can be at their best when they constantly pour out and take little or no time to replenish. The benefit of prioritizing quality over quantity can be applied here.
Because I am still on the climb professionally and personally, I struggle with feeling as if I could be and should be doing more. Earlier in my life — post college, it was commonplace for me to work two and even three jobs because I had the time, and actually felt lazy when I didn't fill my time with work. A bit of it came from the memory of being a broke college student and the rest from believing that constantly moving would surely enhance my chances of success. Think quantity. At that time in my life {age and state}, it didn't hurt to be moving without a well-considered strategy. Fifteen years later, it does. More is not always better.
Sometimes, I'll note the tendency towards more is more in my Twitter timeline and it has inspired me to tweet #tightenup tips from my perspective as both an editor and an executive who has some experience under my belt that I believe can benefit others. Don't allow a seeming lull in your progression or the success of others around you to drive you. Be driven by a well-thought out plan, by the accumulation of your own successes {large and small} and by balance and wellness.
Yes, getting what you want out of life will take dedicated effort but don't be fooled by the notion that you can only get there via a constant state of frenzy. As always, my word play is dramatic ... but you get my sentiment. Take time to take care of you. And no, this doesn't mean that things will fall into place by themselves; It means that you'll be at your best and can make moves that exemplify that. Think quality.
11 comments
You are speaking truth in this post! Oh how I've grappled with this, more so when I decided to stay home and pursue my freelance writing career. When I wasn't doing something I felt guilty even when I was super run down and only had a few hours sleep because of the baby. I literally stressed myself out and found that I can't make the right moves without being rested. It's still hard though and posts like these are a good reminder! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a constant struggle, but I will not give up.
Delete"More is more" is totally the norm these days. People are doing too much! lol! How can you figure out what's next if you're constantly moving? I'm asking myself the same question. And, where are you in that picture you posted so I can come join you? I could use a cold Starbucks beverage right about now.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I'll tweet you. : )
DeleteWords to live by " Be driven by a well-thought out plan, by the accumulation of your own successes {large and small} and by balance and wellness". Amen!
ReplyDeleteThank you! A lesson for myself.
DeleteWell said - I especially appreciate your words today: I am so worn out that I couldn't make it to yoga class! However, I find it difficoult to take better care of myself/hit the "pause" button with so many things to do. Husband says I often feel this way because I spend too much energy at work. But how much is too much? I seem to be able to only work full steam...
ReplyDeleteI feel that way too -- working full steam -- so that means, we have to systematically stop ourselves like a train that's going full-steam ahead. They prepare for when they'll need to stop. ; )
DeleteExcellent, excellent I say! Saving this for a reminder!
ReplyDeleteThank you, girl.
Delete"Don't allow a seeming lull in your progression or the success of others around you to drive you. Be driven by a well-thought out plan" I am constantly comparing my success to others. Thank you for this!
ReplyDelete