We are all too busy. Juggling business, family, art, exercise and downtime is itself a full time job. In today’s world, you can literally work 24/7 and not make a dent or you can change the world in an instant. The difference is frenzy versus focus.
I can be, at once, a crazy workaholic and incredibly lazy. Usually, I am a crazy workaholic because I refuse to admit just how lazy I am. The result, though, is not productivity, it is mental masturbation. I get to say that I am DOING something so I cannot possibly be lazy, even if that thing is organizing my files for the umpteenth time. Because I refuse to just stop and be, I do not give myself the permission to (not) think or even to daydream. Stillness is the seed of creativity. So by forcing myself to be productive I literally rob myself of my own creativity.
The irony is that when I do allow myself the freedom to stop, do nothing, be still and, yes, be lazy, I usually come upon an idea that captures all of my attention and motivates me to see if I cannot make it a reality. Even though I will probably work harder (and maybe even longer) than when I am just trying to be productive, it does not feel like work. In these moments, I am not a workaholic as I am avoiding nothing and am fully engaged in the work for its own value, regardless of outcome.
I have become a huge fan of Danielle LaPorte (thank you Seth Godin and Fear.Less) and value her incredible insights for entrepreneurs. She talked in her last post about how she got her new digital experience, “The Firestarter Sessions” done. She set an insane deadline and gave up most everything in her life save working on The Firestarter Sessions. She surrounded herself with “spriritually-informed intelligence” and made it happen. What struck me most though about her post (and the many interviews she has given), is that she chose. Danielle made an internal calculation that The Firestarter Sessions was worth sacrificing everything to bring to reality.
Too often, we do not make real decisions as we do not fully value the other side of the trade. What is a day without your spouse, children, friends, exercise, leisure pursuits, and, yes, stillness, worth? You can belie their value to you and work all day long to Sunday: “It is just what I have to do”, “There is no one else to do it”, “My clients [employees, vendors, colleagues] are counting on me”. However, you will likely miss the opportunity that commands (and deserves) your full attention. I agree with Danielle, super heroes are overrated. Your creative business will demand all of you. I would suggest that you only give it the best of you.
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Sean, this is SO WELL said. THANK you for posting this. I know for sure I needed a post like this myself.
thanks for the shout out!
Thanks Sean, another thought provoking blog…. look forward to catching up in real life in Cayman soon at #Engage10 !
When your business is advising people on their business…it is critical to make time to think…..but it is so tough to make that time.
One thing that works for me is sitting on voluntary boards and committees that are unrelated to my core business areas but challenge me in different ways. It’s still “busy time”, but often a change is as good as a rest.. different mental challenges can help bring you back mentally recharged and energised.
Amen! Thanks for reaffirming what I know in my head, but don’t always put into practice. You should totally check out Leo Babauta’s blog @ zenhabits.net, which focuses on applying the art of stillness, simplicity and productivity to every aspect of your life.
This is the first blog post of yours that I’ve ever read (thanks @bumatay!). I’m about to dive into some more…
Thanks again!
Yes the frenzy of I got to do it all, juggle it all, make it all happen and be superwoman …. all at the same time vs. taking a moment to reflect and be focus. For me it’s definitely been a learning process, especially this year. So much is demanded of all of us between working on the business while working in the business (two VERY different things). Some of my best ideas, creative projects or new goals come upon the moments that I can have a quiet moment to listen to myself.