Something to Enjoy
Posted on July 26, 2010 by Eric Johnson, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.
Blog entry from last year. Check out my website for more.
Bad ruts. Don’t you hate those? You realize one day that you are doing something too much, too little or not at all. You ask yourself, “How did I get here?”
A few months ago, it hit me that I was in a bad rut. My life centered on duties, obligations and the “I have to” list. It’s sad when you think of your life and all you see is an endless “to do” list. I can tell you clearly that this is no way to live. Along with that, my downtime had become focused on watching movies. “I’m tired” and “I work a lot” were my excuses and justifications. The word recreation comes from re-creation, meaning it is best when it is restorative, not passive.
What do you enjoy? What do you love to do that restores you? Running, painting, gardening, hunting? Paintball, motorcycles, writing, traveling?
Guilt / Time: Some people struggle with guilt when they enjoy things. “I shouldn’t be spending two hours in the book store when I have so many things on my to do list.” “How can I go hiking when my family consumes me?” (Insert your excuse here). How can it be selfish to do something you enjoy that will reinvigorate you for everyday living? Why on earth would “sharpening your ax” be a bad thing? Granted, we shouldn’t swing the other way where we are selfish and do only what we want – that’s no way to live either.
Money: Other people argue, “Well, I love painting but it just costs too much.” They consider the financial cost.
Here is the problem with thinking that way; there is another cost involved. NOT doing something you enjoy regularly costs you. It is a liability. Doing something you enjoy is an asset!
By not doing something that restores and renews you, it costs you motivation, passion and enthusiasm. You lose those. Not enjoying something costs not only you, but also your spouse, friends, family and workplace! Consider what you are losing.
Needless to say, I’ve gotten back into two things that I enjoy doing. Things I’ve rarely done for a few years, and I feel so much better physically, mentally and socially. I have more energy and more focus. The financial cost is nothing compared to how much more I now have to give to others.
Right now is the time to start doing what you enjoy on a regular basis.
