Don’t Forget What Feeds the Soul Too

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Man, running your own business is the best thing on the planet, except that it can vacuum the life right out of you from time to time.

Every now and then, or maybe systematically, you need to step back and remember what nourishes you – and do it.

There is never enough time to what you what you think needs doing for the meeting next week with Consolidated Tool, so sometimes you’ve got to just let it go and recharge instead. (This isn’t an excuse not to work hare, you’ll find that you actually get more done if you let go from time to time.)

For me, it’s getting deep outside. About once a year I write and review really long term goals – one of the things I want to do before I check out is build a wooden canoe and launch it on some lazy river a million miles from the nearest Internet hot spot.

It’s amazing how, in the middle of the tornado, doing something remotely close to that (maybe it’s taking a walk through a rose garden) reminds me why I love what I do for a living.

Now, get back in there and fix the copier.

So, what do you do to recharge?

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Posted by: John Jantsch on May 04, 07 | 10:10 am
Category: Vision | Tags:

Comments

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Yvonne Rayburn

What a great post! I think we all get so caught up in what we have to get done at the office (and come on, we are all overloaded most of the time whether we have our own business or not. You are just doing things to benefit your own goals not someone else's!). Taking time to recharge and completely disconnect...no laptop or cellphone, for even a few hours really does help you be more productive. Thanks for the reminder!

Bill Byrne

I try to break off 1.5 hours a day to either hit the gym or surf when "normal" people are working. It's still not empty at either, but I get some room and unless there's a massive deadline (in which case I won't go to either), I can just continue when I come back to the office.

Dave Fraze

Thanks for the great e-marketing seminar in Clevelan!
It was better than I ever could have expected, and will start a Blog this weekend!

Dave

bob

I go to seminars and educational events for a break from the daily grind. This has been a great experience.

Jeff Brown

You'd think after over 35 years I'd have learned this lesson once and for all. :) Thanks for my sanity trips this summer to Fenway, Yankee Stadium, and Wrigley Field!

Michael

There is actually a physiological brain condition similar to ADD caused by too much intensely focused attention. It's commonly known as "burn out" but it has been scientifically proven to exist. Some think (and have some supporting evidence) that the only cure is time outdoors, in nature. Based on my own experiences, I agree that time outdoors is the best way to reset the brain.

John Jantsch

Looks like this topic struck a nerve - I know I wrote it on an airplane thinking I could use a good hike.

Sue

I have two big dogs, who have to be walked for an hour or two every day. Because I don't have any option BUT to walk the dogs, I'm forced to take the time out and walk through the beautiful woodland near here... very good for the soul.

John Jantsch

Dave - Go start that blog - great event in Cleveland.

Sue - Dogs will never let you take yourself too seriously.

Bob - there really is something about getting out from behind the desk and teaching real folks.

Rick Patrick

Fortunately, my home backs onto a fairly large lake. I make time each day to put my kayak into the water and 'toodle' around the lake. Smooth water means gliding around, just letting my mind wander; rougher conditions mean focusing on the relationship between me, the kayak and the water... haven't solved any of the world's problems yet, but it's always a refreshing, renewing experience.

Ed Grimes

As a restaurant operator, I schedule time off in the morning to work out or read or just relax and reflect a bit. It's my little bit of sane time before the afternoon gets zany.

Lisa Solomon

During the late spring, summer and fall, I go mushroom hunting on the weekends with my mycology club. It's great to be among friends and get to walk in the woods at the same time.

mack

Great post and great reminder that we all need to back away from the clients and the blogging. Both will take all the time we have, if we let them ;)

Mack Collier

Great post and great reminder that we all need to back away from the clients and the blogging. Both will take all the time we have, if we let them ;)

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