Many times I've heard entrepreneurs say they are concerned about taking time to relax or be entertained. I know exactly what they are talking about, and I'm as guilty as the next self-employed person for feeling that way occasionally. Balancing the time for self and time for work can be difficult since there is so much to be done, in what always seems to be so little time.
Relaxation and entertainment are essential for good health and clear thinking. Even if it's nothing more than taking short breaks away from the stressful environment during the day, the respite can be invaluable. Until it becomes a familiar part of the daily routine it may seem like you're engaging in taboo behavior.
Frequently I find it difficult to relax and allow myself to be entertained, and when this happens it seems very difficult to change my outlook on the present. However, when I finally pinpointed what was causing the problem I started making progress toward changing my thinking.
I noticed that sometimes I couldn't enjoy the experience because I was worried about spending money on entertainment, instead of spending money in ways that would make money. Or, I was distressed about spending any money at all. If I wasn't engaged in my work at all times I was remiss. It was not until I saw the label "Entertainment" as a dedicated category on a budgeting worksheet that I realized it was an acceptable expense to be planned for and enjoyed.
My experience has taught me that for many entrepreneurs, being self-employed creates constant pressure. And of premier importance to managing that pressure is managing the emotions. Although sometimes very difficult, being in control of the emotions is fundamental for any leader, whether in business or battle or otherwise. In context of this conversation, having a command of the emotions allows clearer thoughts to prevail, thereby allowing entertainment to be perfectly acceptable
Since self-employment is a 24 hour proposition, it is important to step away from it to relax. Do not feel guilty about taking a break or time away from work; I've heard it described as taking mini-vacations. But what type of entertainment is acceptable? Should entertainment only comprise matters totally unrelated to work? Or can entertainment be intertwined with work?
I know business owners who have a comfortable chair in their office solely for the purpose of taking short naps during the day when desired. Supposedly Albert Einstein was a big believer in short rests, and I would submit he's a good example to follow. I've read where Google and Nike provide the nap option for employees, so there must be something to it.
How do you feel about seminars or other educational periods? Do you find them fun, and if not, why not? Can learning be a time of relaxation? I've dozed briefly during seminars plenty of times, but that was usually attributed to the delivery of the content more than the content itself.
My recommendation is this: if possible, use the entertainment value to spur ideas and motivation when you're alert and engaged, and provide those ideas with a chance to percolate while you rest. The result will be two-fold in that your thinking will be refined and your body will be refreshed. It may be that the pieces of learning will fall into place and the desire to keep going will be rejuvenated.
Yes, relaxation and entertainment are very important for entrepreneurs, even to the degree they should be planned and scheduled. There's no need to feel guilty about helping yourself and advancing your cause.
Words of Success is an online resource that assists its members with personal achievement, procrastination, anxiety, communication and other critical areas for developing success building behaviors. Jay D. Lynch now offers for a limited time introductory access to his program at no charge by visiting http://wordsofsuccess.com/
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