In the last couple weeks, I’ve talked to a number of people about working hard vs. hardly working. Mostly it’s been men (probably because men make up about 75 percent of my client list). We’ve been talking about their dads and how they learned hard work was good work, respectable work, the “right” kind of work.”
And while that advice isn’t bad or wrong, I think we’ve taken it to an unhealthy extreme in our modern world.
On my reading list is Arianna Huffington’s new book Thrive. I’ve read a number of blog posts about it and one quote keeps popping up:
“There is a stubborn and dangerously wrongheaded myth that there is a trade-off between high performance at work and taking care of ourselves.”
Here’s the thing: after working with hundreds of business owners over the last 11+ years, I wholeheartedly agree with her.
It’s why I’m so passionate about what I’m creating with my Make Some Room Rendezvous, Retreat, and Revolution.
I still believe that hard work is good work. I also believe that making time to rest and recharge, that taking care of ourselves, is vitally important for each and every one of us.
And why I believe that making time to take care of ourselves doesn’t have to negatively affect our performance at work. In fact, taking care of ourselves supports our high performance at work!
See, 100 years ago, we were more in touch with nature and her rhythms. We got up with the sun and “hit the hay” early. With minimal artificial lighting, it was hard to do much “productive” work after the sun went down.
And 100 years ago, we didn’t have artificially controlled environments. Without A/C and central heat, life was…ummmm…less comfortable.
Our modern conveniences have us locked into houses, cars, and work spaces buildings which are comfortable 24/7. Our lights works 24/7. And sometimes, this encourages us to stay connected and work 24/7.
Let me be clear: I do not want to get rid of central heat/air or electricity. Or my car (although I would consider trading it for an electric bike) or my stove or my indoor plumbing. I LOVE THEM. (Although you know me and sometimes I’m very content living without them.)
What I do want to do is help you restore some balance to your work/life.
I do want you to #UNPLUG and reclaim your nights and weekends for play, rest and relationships. I do want you to make some room in your schedule to be creative and use your imagination. I do want you to work sane hours on the right work that makes you feel ALIVE.
Not working is not the opposite of hard work. There is a balance to be found.
If you’re not sure where to begin, I can help.
Angie