Over the past five or six years just about everyone I have dealt with in business has complained that they are way too busy. Tradespeople have been working like crazy to keep up with the demand for homes, professional services have been working seven days a week to cope with the backlog of work and virtually every industry and every business has been the same. We have all been way too busy for way too long.
So what happens when things do slow down? What would it mean if we didn’t have to work 80 hours a week? Imagine having time to look after our health, or perhaps being able to spend some real time with our families and friends? Sounds nice doesn’t it?
I had a meeting with a client of mine today and we had this exact conversation. His face lit up when I suggested that if his business slowed down he might be able to go fishing a little more often. He confided that his wife was saying how grumpy he had been over the last few years because he was always exhausted. I bet his life and most importantly his relationship would be so much better if he decided to put his feet up and enjoy life rather than being a slave to his business.
I understand that we all have to work hard to keep our businesses going in tough times, but it is a waste of time if you are exhausted, irritable and basically unable to summon the energy to do what you need to do.
I believe that the best thing to work on when you face tough times is yourself. Businesses succeed through the energy and passion of smart owners who know that they have to look after themselves to make sure they have the energy to do what they need to do.
We may all have the opportunity to take things easier, to do more of the stuff we love to do and to get back the passion for life that may have got sidetracked over the past few years. Sounds bloody good to me and after all who wants to live their life stressed out and exhausted all the time?
For the record, the more relaxed and recharged you are, the more successful you will be.
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