Less Work + More Play = Higher Profits 1-2-3
If you operate a business from home, it can be quite a
challenge to get away from the office and out of the house. Your business agenda and personal life can
easily merge into one, turning you into a complete 18-hour-day entrepreneurial maniac.
Been there, done that.
A good friend of mine recently returned from a five-year trek through Europe and
Asia. While looking through thousands (literally) of incredible photos from the furthest corners of the
world, I realized how much I haven't done. Places to visit, people to meet, a plethora of activities just
waiting to be explored. But with my 18-hour workday, where will I find the time?
I hear it all the time, and I know it's true - itï's not healthy to work all
of the time. Generally, people who are the happiest equally balance their work and play. Five years ago,
I would have never guessed that my biggest obstacle at work would be that I couldnï't get myself to take
time off.
Why We Should Work Less
There are hazards to working long hours. With a business at home, it's especially
easy to work nights and weekends. Work automatically expands to fill the time available. Then, after
spending a significant amount of time on a task, we tend to get dull.
We feel compelled to stay busy, thinking that activity equals productivity. In
reality, we are doubling our efforts and losing sight of your objectives. We need to get away to recharge
our batteries.
If we want freedom from this workaholic predicament, ironically, more discipline
is the answer. By setting goals, formulating a strategy and imposing order, we can better satisfy our
needs and make the most of our time and energy.
The result: less work and more accomplished.
Reasons to Play More
Spending time out of the office can do more than just re- charge our batteries.
Taking time to participate in activities that we enjoy builds our self-esteem and gives our subconscious
the message that we are worthy of reaching our goals.
Feeling successful can in turn create our success.
In addition, time away from work enables us to see our business with a new
perspective. From outside our work, it can be much easier to apply new ideas that can dramatically
transform our business. If we work all the time, we can miss out on these unique
opportunities.
Sometimes, all it takes is one simple idea to make a big difference.
Time off is a necessary stimulus to greater creativity, satisfaction and
effectiveness in business. The more ideas, people and activities we can expose ourselves
to, the more opportunities we shall be able to learn from and apply to our
business.
I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. However, things don't
just happen by themselves. In order to be in the right place at the right time, we need to get out of the
office.
So, to start the new Millennium off on the right foot, I think I'll take the
first day off.
Sue Barrett works for HomeBusinessCenter.com and has helped hundreds of
entrepreneurs successfully start their own home-based businesses. Information on goal setting
