It’s all about quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends and family.
-Philip Green
As I write this, it’s Friday afternoon. I sit in my local bar, a beer close at hand and my weekly review complete. In about 15 minutes, I’m going to be joined by my wife, my daughter, and a couple friends.
Life is good.
I love what I do. I work hard. I give it all that I’ve got. But Lord knows, I’m still one spoiled, lucky dude.
I’m lucky enough to live in a country and to have had the opportunities that allow me this privilege. I’m lucky enough to be in the financial position where I can take 2-3 hours of the week and ‘check out.’
But at the same time, I remember I’ve made a point of blocking out this part of my week for reflection, deep thought, and planning.
This is my weekly review. And for a long time I’ve dreamed of creating an environment where I could block out the rest of the world long enough to review my goals, review my projects, and determine my next actions. Over the past year,I’ve been able to make it happen and the quality of my work (and my life) has improved immensely.
You Should Give This A Try
The question I ask myself…and which I ask you…
Am I afforded this luxury because of pure luck and happenstance.
-OR-
Did this come about because I made a point of making this a part of my life and my weekly routine?
Chicken and the egg…(chicken and the egg).
Whatever the case, I’m willing to admit I’m living a charmed life.
My question and my challenge to you, why aren’t you doing the same?
Are you taking the time to reflect and to plan your future AND to set solid next actions toward that future? If not, why not?
What would stop you from taking 2 hours from your Friday — this Friday — to hold off the world and do a thorough mental scrubbing?
My hope is this; that you’ll stop right now and schedule 2 hours for yourself this coming Friday. Further, my hope is that you’ll actually keep that appointment and that you’ll respect that appointment.
Do what you have to do. But make it happen.
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I think this is a key to running a better business, not just a better life.
I think this is solid advice, not only for a more sane life, but also for a more effectively run business.
Coffee works as well…
Ashely - you got that right!
In fact, to clarify — i recommend ordering the beer AFTER you’ve completed a successful weekly review
This is a great post and it’s a strong reminder that constant work is not always the most productive practice. Take a step back sometime and take a break (even if it’s for 20 minutes 3-4 times a day). You’ll come back working much stronger and efficiently.
The big thing for me - as a business owner that does most of everything related to the business - is covering the phones and email if I take a break or - god forbid - an entire day off. Since my recent purchase of my iphone (yes, I’m a gadget geek) I’m able to receive email anywhere which is helpful. But until just last week I really felt bad about “checking out” for hours at a time because calls ended up being routed to voicemail. Not a great way to service your clients.
To solve this problem I hired a virtual assistant that has promised that we can setup a way to have phone calls routed to her if I don’t answer it within a couple rings. This is a very affordable service and it will improve the quality of service that I provide and - most importantly - it will allow me to possibly take a few hours in the afternoon on Fridays to regroup, plan and get in the right state of mind for the following week, months and year as a small business owner.