The sun is shining! For many of you, this may seem like a silly way to start a post. But here in Ohio – it’s been a while since I’ve seen the sun! (Today is actually day 2!)
I’m a big believer in do what you love, and love what you do. Last year on National Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day I remember thinking about how lucky I was that I LOVE my career. I love everything about being a time strategy visionary – helping clients, being in charge of my own destiny, and using my brilliance each and every day.
[Tweet “Do what you love, love what you do.”]There is a chance that last year, National Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day fell on a day that wasn’t sunny.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I still LOVE what I do. I just really want to be outside today!
If you ever feel the way I do (wanting to put ANYTHING ahead of work) please keep reading for my solution.
- I let go of the guilt. It’s sunny. I own my own business. It’s OK to enjoy the nice weather today.
- I shuffled my calendar. What tasks did I have on tap for the next few days that I could accomplish outside? I find it’s difficult to work on the computer outside (the glare!) so I switch some of my “thinking tasks” (that I could complete on paper) that were scheduled for later in the week with some of my “computer” tasks that were scheduled for today.
- I took an extra long “lunch”. I decided to enjoy the sunshine, and then finish up some of my priority tasks by staying in my office an hour later.
It isn’t always the great weather that we are trying to take advantage of. Sometimes we have a last minute networking opportunity, or a loved one comes into town unexpectedly, or a client calls with tickets to the Cleveland Indians Home Opener. (OK, the last one is wishful thinking on my part!) Being flexible is certainly a key trait when you are trying balance your desire to run a profitable business and your desire to enjoy the unique opportunities each day has to offer.
If you would like assistance creating your strategy – for sunny days, for days where you have mentally just “hit a wall”, or to stay focused on your priorities – please consider scheduling a complimentary Discovery Session. I’d love to support you in your journey!
image courtesy of supakitmod /freedigitalphotos.net
I’d love to hear about your strategies, successes, and obstacles when it comes to balancing your work activities and your non-work activities. Please post below!
I’m taking the week off :) More or less. Just doing what absolutely needs to get done, and using the rest of the time to think
Linda
Enjoy!!! Are you thinking about anything in particular? Thanks for your comment.
Lisa
I’m thinking about where I want my business to go from here :)
Best of luck, Linda
Thank you Lisa :)
Hi Lisa,
I like the look of your site, it is very pleasing.
It seems my strategy for balance right now is to commit to things. I have been fortunate recently that I don’t need to work for money. Early retirement has ruined my get-up-and-go. All this free time has made it tough to get the smallest of things done. It has been this way for about two years and I was getting rather depressed. Then I joined a book club through the Women’s Club of Costa Rica. That lead to volunteer for a textbook committee. Next thing I know I am asked to sit on the board of directors. These demands on my time, which I enjoy, have made it easier for me to get the grocery shopping done, on the way to swim class, before picking up my daughters from school. Knowing I don’t have all the time in the world has helped me have more time in each day. Weird, huh?
Andrea –
Thanks for your comment! Your situation is soooooo common! The phrase I hear often is “busy people get things done” – and you are living proof of that. Congrats on being on the board for such a worthy cause.
Lisa
Glad I love what I do…cute post ;-)
Thanks, Emily!
I like to make every day I go into work fun. It is never a dull moment working with teens and their parents! I wasn’t aware of this big national day. Thanks for sharing.
Most welcome! Thank YOU for the comment. Loved your video!
Lisa
Love this post! What a great reminder to take time to enjoy ourselves. I LOVE what I do as an archetypal coach and consultant, so I often find myself NOT wanting to take off — but this is great reminder to get off this laptop and get outside (now that it’s finally sunny out). :)
Joy –
Thanks for your comment. I can usually buckle down and focus when I need to – however, today was certainly a challenge!
Lisa
There is something about the sun that makes people HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY! I believe when you are happy, you are more productive and positive. They should make offices with more windows and outside areas! I sooo wish I could blog outside, but like you said, THE GLARE is terrible! I do get a lot of thinking done when I walk the dog or do yard work, so perhaps today I could do that and then blog whatever came to me during my outside time!
Have a happy day!
Goldilox
Dawn –
Love that plan!! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Lisa
I love working and it is real fun especially when I am creating a new event design! I need some rest though, so I usually take a whole weekend off every month !
Clara –
Love that you love what you do – and that you have a plan to stay energized! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Love the title of your post, Lisa! Very engaging. I feel so fortunate that I get to connect women business owners for a living! Regular breaks are important, however and I’m taking a vacation this week!
Have a great vacation, Julie! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Hi Lisa! What a great post! Love your tips for how to cope with the “I don’t want to go to work today” feeling (especially #1). I wish more employers would encourage their employees to take their work outside and treat them to longer lunches, especially after a long, cold winter. An easy way to boost morale. I’m lucky to work from home now and love that I can schedule my days, take lots of breaks and take my work outside on warm, sunny days.
Thanks Kelly for stopping by! I agree – the flexibility of working from home is AWESOME! I just need to remind myself – I am my own boss – take time for me!
Lisa
Hopefully next week I will take a few days off, I’m going to Poland, however, as you know I will be taking pictures and getting the insight of the place that I am going to share it with my readers. :)
I love your pictures!
Any sunny day is a wonderful day for me, Lisa! Even at -30 degrees, if it’s sunny I can take it! Really happy that I’m taking some time off too :)
Delia
Bravo for the time off! We certainly know how important it is to recharge! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa