Are you constantly looking at your “to-do” list, preparing for your next meeting, making sure every “I” is dotted and every “t” is crossed? So many work professionals today seem to be doing exactly that. But the truth is, there is more to life than working 50-60 hours a week. Don’t get me wrong, I, too, will put in those extra hours whenever it is needed. As many of you have heard me say before: “My mom worked on the assembly line for Ford Motor Company for 37 years. If she can get up in the morning, drive 30 minutes to work, and still be ready to start work at 6 am, then there is no reason I can’t be at work by 8 am.”
However, there is way more to life than working. It seems we don’t really appreciate this until we are older, but the sooner you start maintaining a well-rounded work-life balance, the better. Whether it is reading a book, doing yoga, watching your favorite show, or going to watch your children’s games, take that time to do it. That email on your phone can wait for a couple of hours or until the next day. Give yourself that time to ground yourself. It will help your overall well-being and in the end, enable you to be a more productive employee—but more importantly, a happier and healthier person.
Personally, my family is very close. Both of my sons are in their 20’s. Even though they are grown and experiencing their own lives now, when they are both at home, getting a chance to take my wife, Wanetta, and the boys through the DQ drive-through to get our favorite desserts is something really special. It is one of those things that really grounds me. Just knowing I have more to do in life than sitting in front of a laptop, monitor, and a “to-do” list reminds me of what life is really about.
So, the next time you get invited to that birthday party or have a chance to go watch a game with family or a friend, do it. Remember, if you have a balanced schedule in both your professional and personal life, you will find yourself in a great place.
