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When someone says, “Oh, that guy is a workaholic!” what do we mean? We mean it respectfully, even enviously. It’s certainly not meant as derogatory, right?
Our culture not only esteems work, we deify it. Working hard for long hours is considered almost Holy. We think it’s admirable that high achieving people with families still work 18-20 hours per day, seven days per week.
Sorry, I totally disagree.
I say, ask that person’s spouse or kids how they feel about his or her work schedule? Do they care that Dad makes a million dollars per year but never sees them? Does the wife or husband feel loved by a bigger house and nicer car, rather than quality time together?
We all know the answer: No. Nothing replaces personal, physical closeness.
Someone once said that all children have a spelling problem. They spell love, T-I-M-E. (And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon…)
I grew up with a father who literally used work to avoid real relationship and emotional issues. He worked constantly. And at the end of his life…OH, how he regretted that.
Countless books have been written on this point but I’m going to bottom line it: We all need time off. YOU need time off. And we all need time together with our families. Life is about relationship, period.
My friend/mentor Brian Tracy once told me, at the beginning of each year book your vacations for the year, buy the tickets, lock them in. That was fantastic advice.
I am writing this from Maui where my wife had always wanted to bring our kids… so we saved our money and here we are! We’re having a blast and yes, there are many work-related things I need to be doing. But I’ve put those on hold to savor this time.
 [Yes, I am writing this but I LOVE to write, it’s vacation for me! And in a few minutes I’m headed to the beach where we’ll be surfing and enjoying.]
Taking time off is one of the Ten Commandments: Honor the sabbath. Yeah… take a day off! Even God says work 24…6.
Look, you don’t have to go all the way to Hawaii. As a family we love chances to just stay home, go hiking nearby, watch a movie, take a walk, or just be home.
So, here’s my suggestion: Take one full day off per week. Take one full weekend off every three months. And take 2-4 weeks off per year. And just as you would not sleep while at work, don’t work while you’re resting. You won’t believe this but your business will actually grow if you do, not to mention your quality of life!
So, I’m not saying don’t work hard, don’t do what you know you need to. I am saying that rest is an integral part of any truly successful life.
Pass this on!
Live Truly, Truly Live,
Mike
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