I love the “always connected” world we live in.
I love what I do and I have a hard time ending my day.
Who would want to stop exploring, experimenting, learning,
and trying to see what comes next?
It’s hard to disconnect.
But, this constant level of brain activity on “work
related” subjects acts like a slow drain on my mental battery.
I start to feel as though I’m wandering without
purpose, unable to focus, forgetting what I’ve read or seen, or skimming
information so hard that I’m not even able to pick out the important points
anymore.
That’s when, like it or not, it’s time to shut off
completely.
I find slowing down to a constant trickle more incidious
than running at full steam.
Recharging
requires a full stop.
Effectively managing change requires that we know
when to unplug and fully recharge.
Personally, I’m still working on that!
Does that ever happen to you?
Mary –
That last line is priceless (and part of my problem). Even when I shut off the wheels keep turning!
Ann
Ann, I completely agree. If you’re always on, the quality is going to suffer. My policy is to turn off business in the evening by – say – 6:00. And, I’m not available to clients on the weekend, unless we’ve previously agreed, due to dire straits. (And, really, how many real business emergencies are there? Particularly in marketing.)
Years ago, before the wonders of the Web (We still had carbon paper and typewriters) a VP told me, “If somebody is consistently working more than 40 hours a week they’re doing something wrong.” Still true.
I do my best work when I’m not working (or something like that).
Thanks Steve – that sounds like a great rule. I should try it!
Ann,
I will ditto your entire post. The paradox of action/total stillness is known to us but remains difficult to accept. And a “trickle” is our way of fooling ourselves into thinking we are resting (but allows us to smile covertly and whisper,”But I’m still in the game).
As an early adapter and one who is fascinated with technology, I made a decision a few weeks ago to take a first step to sanity:
Unless it is a pre-arranged call, I accept no business calls on my cell after 6 pm. No exceptions.
It has had no discernible effect on business or my business relationships. It has, however, given me back about 3 hours of unimpeded my time/family time a day. That’s 15 hours a week that I’m not “on.”
The time that is spent disconnected from the outside offers the necessary break to become re-connected on the inside.
Wonderful, honest post…