Down time is just as important as the time we spend cranking out work.
Wow…did I just say that?
Yes I did.
We are always discussing ways in which we can use our time more effectively. Typically we are thinking that productivity and the effective life is all about being always on the go. Doing is definitely important…vital, in fact. However, the eventual result of that kind of lifestyle is burnout. Once we have reached that point…being truly productive and focused is almost impossible.
We need to embrace a truth today.
Sometimes the most effective thing we can do…is shut down.
I am not here to give you five bullet points on how to maximize the effectiveness of your downtime (though…I could). I would hope I would be insulting your intelligence to do so.
What I do want to do, however, is make sure we understand that resting is just as much a part of the puzzle of effectiveness as doing. So let’s take care of our minds and bodies. Let’s make sure we get the rest we need. Let’s take time every now and then to shut down for a few days, and do something fun and relaxing with people we love being around.
I promise you, it will make a difference when we turn the doing dial back up to get things done.
