There's a phrase that is certain to set someone up for failure: "going the extra mile." It is difficult to quantify what that mile is; especially in the metaphorical sense as it is applied to daily situations.
Working harder or longer is not a bad thing. The extra mile for you might be staying an hour later, or handling a project when no-one else would. But the meaning changes with the person, and their superiors. Is your extra mile as long as it needs to be? As silly as that sounds, it's true. How can we ever know if we are living up to the expectations of a boss? Ourself? There is no way to know. That's why I hate that phrase, especially when it is used in a business setting.
People will work until they die. Literally. I have this family member you see that keeps his nose to the grindstone. Works hard, doesn't slack off, and planned on enjoying his leisure years. As soon as he retired, he was dead.
What a waste.
Work is a beautiful thing. It supplies ourselves and others with invaluable goods and services, things that we could probably no longer live with, or at least live well with. But when your entire life becomes "the extra mile", you stop looking where you need to go, and simply focus on moving forward.
An extra mile, simply put, should be defined by you. Work is typically a group activity, or at least indirectly. I've said this before- it is pointless to work if you are not resting and enjoying your own life. If all you ever do is go the extra mile, you won't even be able to continue your career's journey. Only you know what you can and can't do. Don't let anyone tell you how to "go the extra mile" because what works for them, may not work for you. And that, my friend, is your discovery. And yours alone.
Showing posts with label relax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label relax. Show all posts
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Vacations can Save your Life
Not hypothetically. In reality.
I am a strong advocate of working hard, and playing hard. Quite often, these two can mix and cause damage. Or great success if the timing is right. Now we all work hard, right? Grinding away, making sure things get done, people get paid, and our business grows well. Long hours, extra tasks, extra stress, it's all in the name of creating a better life and business. No time to rest- the business isn't waiting. It needs to be constantly fed, constantly maintained! Well. I've got news for you.
Not taking a vacation can actually kill you.
Not immediately of course. But it can. The article included above, written by an actual doctor opposed to some random blogger like myself, states that a study comprised of 12 thousand men was conducted over the course of 14 years. It found that "...taking multiple vacations, up to five a year, resulted in a 32% lower chance of death from all causes, compared to the men who didn't take vacations." That's pretty powerful.
In a different view, this blogger (I had to include one) takes a more philosophical approach to a vacation saving your life. His views are simple: we work too much, and we forget that there is more to life than your next work shift. Vacations aren't the thing that's important. It's the break, the ability to unwind, the ability to let your guard down. That's what really matters. You don't have to go anywhere to do whatever you want, to be honest.
And let's not forget about one of the most insidious killers in the United States. Stress. Chronic stress has a LOT of health problems associated with it. I mean, you name it. Heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke. But here's the funny thing.
What I find the most alarming is the contradictory nature of the "more work is better" model. We work hard. Forever. Never taking vacations, always mired in responsibility and stress, and then? We wind up dead for all our trouble. So...work has to cease when you're dead, correct? So how is this model helping anyone? It's not, that's how.
Vacations are not excuses to be lazy. Rather, they are rewards for a lot of hard work that we all do. If we cannot reward ourselves, how will we even know when we get the carrot attached to the stick that we've been following for so long?
I am a strong advocate of working hard, and playing hard. Quite often, these two can mix and cause damage. Or great success if the timing is right. Now we all work hard, right? Grinding away, making sure things get done, people get paid, and our business grows well. Long hours, extra tasks, extra stress, it's all in the name of creating a better life and business. No time to rest- the business isn't waiting. It needs to be constantly fed, constantly maintained! Well. I've got news for you.
Not taking a vacation can actually kill you.
Not immediately of course. But it can. The article included above, written by an actual doctor opposed to some random blogger like myself, states that a study comprised of 12 thousand men was conducted over the course of 14 years. It found that "...taking multiple vacations, up to five a year, resulted in a 32% lower chance of death from all causes, compared to the men who didn't take vacations." That's pretty powerful.
In a different view, this blogger (I had to include one) takes a more philosophical approach to a vacation saving your life. His views are simple: we work too much, and we forget that there is more to life than your next work shift. Vacations aren't the thing that's important. It's the break, the ability to unwind, the ability to let your guard down. That's what really matters. You don't have to go anywhere to do whatever you want, to be honest.
And let's not forget about one of the most insidious killers in the United States. Stress. Chronic stress has a LOT of health problems associated with it. I mean, you name it. Heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke. But here's the funny thing.
What I find the most alarming is the contradictory nature of the "more work is better" model. We work hard. Forever. Never taking vacations, always mired in responsibility and stress, and then? We wind up dead for all our trouble. So...work has to cease when you're dead, correct? So how is this model helping anyone? It's not, that's how.
Vacations are not excuses to be lazy. Rather, they are rewards for a lot of hard work that we all do. If we cannot reward ourselves, how will we even know when we get the carrot attached to the stick that we've been following for so long?
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Why Haven't we Shortened the Work Week yet?
Hard work is a beautiful thing.
The ability, the willpower, the honesty. Work is something that is 9 times outta 10 unavoidable. So why do we make it out to be such a difficult chore? Sure, work isn't meant to be completely fun (is anything?), but there has got to be better ways as to how to deal with the work week.
I've wrote a couple of articles expressing my disdain about the length of the average work week, vacation time, rests, etc. But one thing I simply cannot understand is why we (for the most part) engage in an extremely strenuous 40+ hours a week? Should we work less? No- we should work smarter. Or both!
Of course, I looked online to see what other people had to say, and I found many arguments for the shorter work week. The individual mentioned in this New York Times article talks about how a shorter work week was implemented at his firm, and in turn? They wound up doing better work! Here, see for yourself:
The ability, the willpower, the honesty. Work is something that is 9 times outta 10 unavoidable. So why do we make it out to be such a difficult chore? Sure, work isn't meant to be completely fun (is anything?), but there has got to be better ways as to how to deal with the work week.
I've wrote a couple of articles expressing my disdain about the length of the average work week, vacation time, rests, etc. But one thing I simply cannot understand is why we (for the most part) engage in an extremely strenuous 40+ hours a week? Should we work less? No- we should work smarter. Or both!
 |
| This is you, isn't it? (source) |
Of course, I looked online to see what other people had to say, and I found many arguments for the shorter work week. The individual mentioned in this New York Times article talks about how a shorter work week was implemented at his firm, and in turn? They wound up doing better work! Here, see for yourself:
"For example, from May through October, we switch to a four-day workweek.
And not 40 hours crammed into four days, but 32 hours comfortably fit
into four days...
but there’s one surprising effect of the changed schedule:
better work gets done in four days than in five...less time to work, you waste less time."
 |
| Remember sleep? Me either. (source) |
Humans work. That's what we do. Most modern culture has adopted insane work schedules because there is stuff to be done, and bills to be paid. But if keeping our noses to the grindstone has become so indicative of human culture, why not adopt a plan to optimize the very thing we let govern our lives?
Like I said, the idea of a shorter work week is catching on domestic and abroad. Gambia, a nation in Africa, tried the idea. However, they still work the 40 hour week. The UK, the Netherlands, all dabbled in the idea- take a look. And like with my previous example, a shorter work week with more rest makes for better work. Look at this quote taken straight from the article:
"...Monday mornings people aren't so groggy - they hit the ground running.
We have really tight deadlines, it's very collaborative, we try to
squeeze as much into our days as possible." (source)
 |
| We all know it's true. (source) |
Unfortunately, not all companies can shortern their work week. And if they do, they must be available for emergencies, but businesses with normal(ish) circumstances and business plans should be able to adopt this method.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Humans have to rest. Work is good. Yes. It is rewarding, it builds character, it gets you money, it gives you confidence, the list goes on and on. But we always forget that there is so much more to life than just making the next buck, or working an extra day.
Our time on this planet in finite. Why should we have to spend any more time tired and stressed than we have to?
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Vacations, Staycations, and Relaxations
Usually this blog is pretty heavy in regards to content, so I want to lighten the mood. Summer is almost over, but there is still time to go and have a terrific vacation. I did some research on the Internet- looking for popular spots and interesting destinations.
Of course, summer usually means the beach, so I wanted to do some snoopin' on good beach locations that you and yours can enjoy. I found one site that listed some popular beaches. These are not exactly a three hour drive from home (well, it could be! I don't know where you live), but they are special nonetheless. I found another article that listed some more...local? Shall we say? Beach towns that you and your family can enjoy. I also hear that they're not ultra-expensive.
Maybe you're not the beach goer? Okay then. Honestly, neither am I! So I ventured out into the wilds of the Internet to hunt down some more interesting spots. I found a site that just listed a whole bunch of cool places (several of which I've been to) you and your brood can visit. Some destinations on the list included:
1. The Galapagos Islands
This is one of the most magical and incredible places I have ever been in my entire life. Definitely for the animal lover, snorkeler, and scuba diver, you can book a vacation there through G Adventures, the company my wife and I used when we went there for our honeymoon. G Adventures is a terrific company that answers all your questions, provides stellar customer service, and is willing to work with you to find the perfect spot. If you wanna go to the Galapagos, be ready to see incredible animals that are literally INCHES away from you (like Albatross, Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds and MORE), and unbelievable aquatic life (Sea Lions, Tropical Fish, Hammerhead Sharks, and MORE). Definitely worth a visit.
2. Cape Cod
Also a beautiful place. Make sure you go during the on season in the summer. It is really boring any other time. Anyway, Cape Cod is beautiful. There is a gorgeous coastline, dozens of seafood places to chow down on, and many tourist spots. It's a great place to share with your family.
But hey. Vacation isn't all about the kids, right? ANY of these places can be awesome whether its just you, or you and 15 members of your family. And for those of you who can't get away from home, the Staycation is becoming quite popular. Here's a website with some ideas, and another article that lists some cool places and activities you can do that are affordable, and easy.
Vacations aren't about the destination though. Sure, who doesn't like to get away?! But a vacation is mostly mental. You must let yourself relax, and enjoy whatever you may be experiencing! Remember, a vacation starts in your head. Your body merely follows.
BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!
Of course, summer usually means the beach, so I wanted to do some snoopin' on good beach locations that you and yours can enjoy. I found one site that listed some popular beaches. These are not exactly a three hour drive from home (well, it could be! I don't know where you live), but they are special nonetheless. I found another article that listed some more...local? Shall we say? Beach towns that you and your family can enjoy. I also hear that they're not ultra-expensive.
Maybe you're not the beach goer? Okay then. Honestly, neither am I! So I ventured out into the wilds of the Internet to hunt down some more interesting spots. I found a site that just listed a whole bunch of cool places (several of which I've been to) you and your brood can visit. Some destinations on the list included:
1. The Galapagos Islands
This is one of the most magical and incredible places I have ever been in my entire life. Definitely for the animal lover, snorkeler, and scuba diver, you can book a vacation there through G Adventures, the company my wife and I used when we went there for our honeymoon. G Adventures is a terrific company that answers all your questions, provides stellar customer service, and is willing to work with you to find the perfect spot. If you wanna go to the Galapagos, be ready to see incredible animals that are literally INCHES away from you (like Albatross, Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds and MORE), and unbelievable aquatic life (Sea Lions, Tropical Fish, Hammerhead Sharks, and MORE). Definitely worth a visit.
2. Cape Cod
Also a beautiful place. Make sure you go during the on season in the summer. It is really boring any other time. Anyway, Cape Cod is beautiful. There is a gorgeous coastline, dozens of seafood places to chow down on, and many tourist spots. It's a great place to share with your family.
But hey. Vacation isn't all about the kids, right? ANY of these places can be awesome whether its just you, or you and 15 members of your family. And for those of you who can't get away from home, the Staycation is becoming quite popular. Here's a website with some ideas, and another article that lists some cool places and activities you can do that are affordable, and easy.
Vacations aren't about the destination though. Sure, who doesn't like to get away?! But a vacation is mostly mental. You must let yourself relax, and enjoy whatever you may be experiencing! Remember, a vacation starts in your head. Your body merely follows.
BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!!!
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