How many autumns have begun and you’ve said, “Summer has gone by in a blur and I didn’t even enjoy it, I was so busy at work”?
Before we know it, we will be looking at fall leaves. It is not too late to make changes that can make our summer fun, relaxing and invigorating.
One of my clients says she can’t break her habit of working late, and that leaves her no time to do extra things with her children. We decided the best cure was to plan an activity and tell the children so she was obligated to leave the office.
Are you saying to yourself, “But I need to work late to get things done?”
I too can be proud of my accomplishments when I stay in my office late into the evening, but if I am honest I’ll admit that I wipe out that productivity by being tired and sluggish the next morning, even if I am sitting at my desk. Is that also true for you?
To quote Canadian time management specialist Harold Taylor, “Working long hours makes you good at one thing — working long hours. It does not increase either your efficiency or effectiveness. Any anticipated increase in personal productivity is usually offset by a lower work pace, additional error, more frequent self-generated distractions, decreased creativity, and a decline in energy and motivation.”
So how do you enjoy this summer?
Get out your calendar and write down on specific days specific things you want to do. Call others and make a commitment with them to do these things. Giving yourself downtime will not only be good for your health and give you a more positive outlook in life, but it will also be good for your business and career.
How many of us get our best ideas in the shower when we are relaxed? Don’t be surprised if brilliant ideas come to you when you are at the pool or in the hammock. Jot them down and relax again.
While we are on the subject of balance, sleep habits must be addressed. Short-changing your sleep is totally unproductive. Science News reports, “People who get by on a modest sleep deficit are often not aware of their shrinking thinking capabilities and don’t feel particularly drowsy.” Studies show that being tired can decrease our productivity by as much as 35 percent. Michal Skalski of a sleep disorder clinic in Poland reports, “Someone who sleeps little is under permanent stress.” The bottom line — if you want to be more productive, get a good night’s sleep.
Just a reminder, when you are doing something for fun or relaxing, turn off your cell phone. The world will not come to an end if you are not connected to it. In fact you will relax more and have real communication with the real people you are with. Isn’t that what life is really about?
It is not too late to make this summer full of great memories. Take a few minutes and think about what you want this summer to look like and get out your calendar and make definite plans.
Remember, having a balanced schedule will make you better at your job in every respect.