Free time isn't a reward for working hard. Do you really deserve it?


By Ranjeewa Kulatunga

As a matter of fact, you don't.

Free time isn't a reward for working hard, it's necessary for optimum performance and productivity. So stop thinking that you'll let yourself take a few days off when..(insert your excuse here).
Think of it this way; you're the brains behind the business right? In order to keep being successful you've got to keep that brain sharp and creative. Trouble is, if you use it continuously it will get dull.

Mass communications, including television, radio, fax, advertising, electronic mail, cell phones and pagers require us to constantly process huge amounts of information, This means we must maintain an extremely high level of mental activity whether we want to or not, It sometimes seems that there is no escape. Most of us can relate all too well to the meaning of "information over load". The technologically advanced world in which we live can wear us out very quickly.
This weariness can wreak havoc on your business, Consider the visible symptoms of fatigue:  lack of innovation, irritability, reduced productivity, and stress. The list goes on. And we are frequently unaware of now run down we are getting.

We are moving away from the industrial age into the information age, yet the work ethic that most of us grew up with taught us to maximize work time; time at the factory or the office. Even our language reelects the inherent value judgement of time away from work. We call non-work time "off-time".

The emergence of creativity, ideas, and information as our most valuable resources, and the persuasiveness of the global, 24-hour business, may have changed our concept of "time equals money". Now, it's "result equals money". An we all know that more time at the office does not mean more results, In fact, it often means less result and more mistakes. What's the answer? The solution is to take time away from your business. Free time makes you sharper. Free time provides the rejuvenation you need to restore your confidence and sense of well-being. You come back from time off with a new perspective, a higher energy level, increased creativity, and often, a breakthrough idea. Take one vacation a year get one break through. Take two vacations get two breakthroughs. Take three get three.

Plan at least three breakthroughs this year. This is a hard concept for many business people, even those of you who won't admit to being workaholics. But, you might as well face up to it -you need free time. The success of your business is riding on it.

Here 's a little test
·         You believe the business can't run without you?       
Y/N

·         You believe that time from the business means lost income?
Y/N

·         You take your briefcase with you to the beach?
Y/N

·         you carry your cellular phone and/or beeper everywhere?
Y/N

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, drop everything and plan a vacation immediately. Three of four days will help. Seven or more is ideal for rejuvenation.

Many people have made financial objectives their sole concern and have paid a heavy price for their success-poor health, failed marriages, neglected friendships, no personal development, just business.

Financial success, no mater how great, can never compensate for poor quality of life. In the scheme of things, a properly functioning business is supposed to be the servant of a full and satisfying life that includes good health, close and loving relationships, recreation, culture, and contribution to the community.


So, when will you be that rounded person? Think about it.



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