Laziness is resting before you get tired.
This being an entrepreneur is a marathon, not a sprint.
In my twenties, I used to lead long-distance cycling trips. 1,500 miles from London to Rome. 3,000 miles across the U.S., from Savannah, Georgia to LA.
Not only was it my job to ride bikes for 80 miles every day with a 50-pound load (mostly Oatmeal Cream Pies and chocolate, I confess)… it was my job to make sure that a dozen teenagers stayed hydrated, slathered in sun screen and kept out from under the wheels of passing 16-wheelers.
I didn’t sleep much those summers.
But man, did I feel alive.
Every day, I woke up to a new challenge.
Most days, it was exhilarating.
But some days, I’d wake up and feel flat. Beige. Ordinary.
And on mornings like that, I’d need a gentler start. When that happened, my co-leader would lead our pack. I’d hang at the back of the line, singing songs to myself, meditating on the white line as it rolled beneath my wheels.
Not so much cheering myself up, as giving space.
Eventually, I would get back up to speed and join the group.
It was that morsel of private time, away from expectation, that helped me right myself, and return to even keel.
I mention this because being an entrepreneur is a long distance ride, too.
And because this morning, after catching 7 am chi gong class, I decided to climb back into bed. Til noon.
I didn’t stay up late last night.
I just felt bone tired.
And I was totally unenthusiastic about sitting down at my desk to work.
Now, this sort of thing used to freak me out. (“Is something wrong? Is it a bug? Am I depressed?”)
But now, I see this as just part of being an entrepreneur.
I mention THIS because I’m hearing some of you put WAY too much pressure on yourself to always be “on”…or doing. Or “being productive.”
And I think that’s problematic.
Yes, you need to hustle to make this work.
Yes, you must make sure that you aren’t just doing for the sake of “being busy” - you are taking the right actions that will win your business or grow your clientele.
But lordy, lordy, every once in awhile, it’s good to just phone it in, and tell the boss that you’ll be coming in late to work that day.
Don’t you think?
Here in Stella’s laboratory, we will be experimenting with the benefits to productivity and morale that playing hooky provides. Credit goes to my friend the Swashbuckler, who reminded me that freedom is my oxygen… and that playing the “responsible business owner” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
So, I’m curious: what do you do when YOU aren’t feeling
So, I’m curious: what do you do when YOU aren’t feeling it? Are you a master at taking a break when you need it – even if it’s inconvenient? Leave a comment below – I’d love to know.
Mighty thanks to erlin1 flickr photostream for the sleeping beauty
Posted March 12, 2013 at 4:42 pm | Permalink
I get outside.
Even if it’s a 20 minute walk in my neighborhood. When I can, I go for a cross country ski (we are fortunate enough to live next to some great trails). Fresh air and the sounds of nature (birds, wind in the trees, the earth beneath my feet…) always replenishes my soul.
Beyond that, I eat well. Real whole food that is easy to prepare and tastes delicious. Some of my favorite recipes are from this eBook: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008A19TBM (Mediterranean Diet Recipes) and on the blog http://www.theconfidencediet.com
Comfort food like donuts, have their place. But they are only short term cures. I find that a bowl of soup or a piece of fish makes my body feel nourished and cared for. That translates to a relaxed state of mind for me.
Posted March 12, 2013 at 5:40 pm | Permalink
Well, Stella, I can’t say I’m a MASTER at it (yet) but I’ve certainly improved.
I’ve decided that unless I have a client call, networking group, or meeting early in the morning, my alarm is just a nice suggestion to wake up. And now that I write this, I’m thinking maybe I won’t schedule anything in the morning…
On days when I don’t feel like it, I take some time to do some inquiry. What’s going on? Am I pushing myself too much? Or do I just need a freaking break?
Usually, I’ll climb in a chair or hop on my bed and curl up with a book. By afternoon or evening, I’m usually raring to get back to work, because I love pretty much everything about what I do.
Posted March 12, 2013 at 6:17 pm | Permalink
Radical self-care for me is having my young girls in school a couple days a week, while I work to build my new business, do shopping, yoga and meditate.
PS - I already love your work, but I love you a wee bit more now that I know we are both UW alumni.
Posted March 13, 2013 at 6:07 am | Permalink
Well, Stella…
I sure love this article. I am most of the time pretty good with my self-care because I’m learning to set boundaries. But, last week, I found myself in a complete tizzy…I felt it coming on and knew that I had overextended myself during my busy week and when I had one last thing to do before I could take the rest of the day off, it was just too much! As I finally left, it took me a good 15 minute drive to get my heart to slow down and the anxious feeling to leave. And it was one small thing to do before I left, but it scared me how I reacted. The anxiety feeling came back a few times that day, showing me that when I ignore my body’s signals for rest, to unplug from thinking and my email, chat, phone, that I end up a not-very-fun person for even ME to be around. It is now my ultimate challenge to learn to recognize and heed my body’s whimpers before they turn into sobs or a tantrum. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted March 13, 2013 at 8:36 am | Permalink
I too will take a break outside to soak up the sun and fresh air & throw the ball for the dog.
I also am aware that my most productive and creative time is mornings up til noon- so can really knock stuff out in those hours and put simpler, routine tasks in the pm hours of my work days.
Posted March 13, 2013 at 1:14 pm | Permalink
Actually, my self-care begins first thing in the morning. Quiet time of Bible study and/or Devotional and Journaling. Next, it’s exercise, then a supportive breakfast. This is me taking care of me and the business of me first. From there, it depends on what’s next on the schedule.
If I need a break later in the day, I’ll get outside, prepare food for later, or make a trip to Starbucks. It’s only a mile from me, and it’s a great place to “people watch” or pour into someone else that I may see there.
Ahhh.
Posted March 17, 2013 at 6:50 pm | Permalink
Certainly haven’t mastered this but it’s been on my mind since January 1st this year. As my business grows and I get busier, I have to keep reminding myself that I AM my business. If I get sick or burnt out, my business stops. You are such an inspiration to me in the self-care department, Stella, because you always make self-care a priority. I’m learning to set boundaries and take time off… Getting better but there’s still room to grow
Posted March 18, 2013 at 10:20 am | Permalink
thanks so much for this! i work intensely during the week as a therapist and work on my biz on the weekends - quite intensely. and the last few weeks i’ve been bone tired and getting worked up about being behind as i lay on my couch. i’m finding my way back to the middle by validating my fatigue, feeding my spirit with church and learning to be kind to myself. haven’t gotten too radical yet, but its coming. thanks again, you rock
Posted March 18, 2013 at 2:10 pm | Permalink
Wow, everyone — these are great suggestions. Thanks for the feedback. Lately I’ve been marinating on the idea of “spaciousness” in my business + life… seems like we all have our own ways of getting it, and creating it.
Yeeha.