Saturday, February 7, 2009

Taking a Guilt-free Day Off

Have you ever heard the expression “need something done, ask a busy person?”
I’m usually that busy person who gets asked.
I am happiest when I’m so busy that I run from task to task (can’t the puppy pee any faster…can’t the computer hurry up and load that program?) Sometimes I feel like my family thinks they are watching a human version of the Road Runner. Beep Beep. Lucky for me, my friends are just like I am, so we move fast together.

But…

I am the first to admit that a day off is one of the best ways to stay motivated, energized and excited about work.

My most productive days have often followed a day off for fun. And fun doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. A hike in that park that you’ve driven past a hundred times, lunch with an old friend you keep meaning to make time for, or even a whole day to read the newest bestseller.

Trust me. Just do it. If you need to take baby steps, then do something just for you, just for fun, for one hour. Notice how refreshed you feel. You’ll find yourself coming back to your tasks with a renewed energy and accomplishing more than ever because you gave into that much-needed break.

Don’t feel guilty—think of time off as homework if you want—because to keep moving forward, sometimes you need to pause.