Thursday, March 15, 2012

Far Beyond Driven

I've been reflecting on my style lately. Not my clothes, but rather how I approach my personal and professional lives. I've also been thinking a lot about balance. I used to call it work-life balance, but that doesn't really seem to apply anymore. Life balance is more appropriate for me. Work is demanding and requires a lot of time if its going to be done well. At least that's the way I see it.

Work Hard, Play Hard
When I run down the list of my responsibilities, projects, and deliverables at work I get fired up! Maybe I should behave more "professionally" but candidly if you're no longer feeling motivated at work it may be time for a change. I'm honestly in a situation where I have lots of irons-in-the-fire and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Personally I try to keep a stout pace as well. Between family commitments, blogging regularly, a passion for social media, a few speaking gigs and the never-ending battle to stay in shape, I fill my days fairly rapidly. Sometimes I wonder where the downtime is supposed to come from? Then I ask myself, is that what I really want? We all receive messages about slowing down and taking time to smell the proverbial flowers. Hey, I like flowers as much as the next guy, but quite honestly I don't want to slow down. Am I supposed to? Are you?


One Size Doesn't Fit All

I'm finally recognizing that I'm wired a certain way...and I'm not sure if its the right way or the wrong way...but it is who I am. This realization has helped me change my view of the employees in my organization. Should they all be the same? Should they all work and play the way I do? I hope not! I don't want a bunch of "Jays" running around here...I want the richness of difference to make my organization stronger. Plus I think I would go crazy if there were too many of "me" here.

How About You
Are you caught up in the societal messages of what you're supposed to be; or, have you decided to embrace who you are and abandon some false image that you should be striving toward? Its a difficult place to get to...at least it was for me. But once we let go of the pressure on ourselves, we can really see the huge potential through difference that is all around us.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



pic courtesy of work-hard-play-hard

8 comments:

  1. A great plug for diversity! You really nailed it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nicely done Jay. I don't think anyone has to stop and smell the flowers, and it's important to know they are there so folks can if they want. Awareness matters - and you appear to have it in spades ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many thanks Doug. I'm not sure if I'll ever be fully aware, but taking the step to accept my "style" has been a good move forward.

      Delete
  3. Great post Jay. I've wonder sometimes if I am "too busy", then when I find myself with free time it drives me crazy. Some people are just wired to be busy, if it enriches your life and doesn't harm those around you I say accept, embrace and enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment Melissa. I think you and I are cut from the same cloth! Bring it on!

      Delete
  4. Great timing for us thinking about the topic this week! Whenever I have free time, I am constantly looking at ways to fill it. Now that I've made the conscious decision to use that time for family and work priorities, though, it's much more pleasant and I don't feel like I'm cheating anyone (or myself) when I spend time purposefully on an activity.

    We need to run together next time we're close. That'd be fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment Ben. I adopted a "2 hour rule" when my kids were young to make sure I was with them at least 2 hours a day during the week when they were awake. That way I could keep my priorities straight!

      Delete