Until it feels like enough.
Then what? For me, it's about maximizing my time as efficiently as possible. But does that mean I actually am being efficient? The rush of a day that requires more work than time will allow can be exhilarating. It can also be overwhelming. Ultimately, my positive self-talk kicks in and I view my responsibilities as a personal challenge. Game on. I'm going to win.
HOW ABOUT YOU
What approaches do you use? What works? What was a waste of time? How do you embrace those moments in life when you are no longer in a marathon, and you find yourself in a full sprint?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic courtesy of Real Food Tulsa
Jay - good example of self-observation here.
ReplyDeleteWhen my youngest son was seven, and we were signing up for a third year of soccer, I found out that he was signing up because he thought I wanted to coach (I did, I loved it) but I was coaching because I thought he wanted to play (he didn't). The first two years were worth it, but we went and found things we could both enjoy. Lesson learned - make sure you're getting the best use of that family time - because it's only there once.
Along the same lines - don't hesitate to outsource some things that you could do yourself (lawn, house cleaning) if you could make that time more valuable by spending it with your kids.
Great perspective Tim. The realization that I can do it all, just not all right now, has been good for me. Staying disciplined to that mantra is another story though! I appreciate your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteWell unlike you my grey hair slows me down a little now and then - and quite frankly the fires don't burn so hot everyday - but I love your enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteI am aged hockey player who is smart from years of play and use that to make up for the loss of speed that the years have taken aways from me. I think ya get that!
Thanks for the comment Dave. There is much to be said for not only being productive, but being smart about how you are productive. Clearly your time on the ice, and in the office, has given you the ability to do both!
ReplyDeleteJay,
ReplyDeleteI totally get it. I'm the same way. I want to get as much out of this career, body and life as possible. My energy and achievements have only increased as I've gotten older (though the aches and pains from playing competitive soccer in my 40s have increased). I gotta admit, though, that at times I feel guilty relaxing when I know I should be enjoying the moment.
It is very complicated. And like you, my self-talk keeps me going and pushes me to the next plateau.
I guess in a sense, my biggest challenge is not getting output, it is being able to let go when the time calls for it. But in the end, I wouldn't trade this life in for anyone else's.
Thanks for the break. Back to it!
Jesse Torres
"Human Resources Guide to Social Media Risks"
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=1456533126
Thanks for the feedback Jesse. It's nice to hear from others who also push themselves hard. Although I know there can be a down-side...I'm not willing to slow down yet either!
ReplyDelete