I work a lot. Even when I am not “working” I am working. I check my email in bed, I use my morning runs to plan out my work day and I brainstorm in the shower. I would say 90% of my daily thoughts are work-related. I love it. I am passionate about what I do and the challenge of my job is what keeps me motivated to push myself further.
All that work is great… but I don’t let it completely consume me. I try to balance hard work with a consistent dose of play. Most workaholics find that difficult to do, but I have made a conscious commitment to have a little fun each day. I have found that the right balance leaves me happier and more effective in everything I do.
Apparently Chris Brogan picked up on my vibe, you can see his thoughts below:
Get out there and PLAY! Dance on a table! Jump in a bathtub full of cereal! Paint something! All work and no play makes Ted a dull boy.
So true. It’s ok to redline your capabilities occasionally, but that can quickly lead to serious burn-out. I take my fun pretty seriously, about once a month:
http://www.ryanmartinez.net/p/hpde2_1215pm/hw9d168548
You can see his back in the mirror behind him. 🙂
Y’know Ted, learning to have fun once the work is done is the single BIGGEST thing I’ve learned from you and the Izean’s!
Thanks for setting the ‘goofy’ bar so high!
This family has time to play a big baseball game? Thats really nice!