Tips on how to ...detatch yourself from your work

Today's Truth -- It is Your Life -- Choose how you want to spend it

In talking with my friends and clients, the topic of long work hours comes up often.  Many seem resigned to it and a few fight it a bit and end up right back on that frantic treadmill.  It is a huge dilemma for all of us.  The age we are in is results-driven.  It is a truth across all industries. 

I have asked people for their the motivation to continue putting in those long hours.  The majority response?  "If I don't produce, I won't keep my job."  Similarly, "If I can't get everything done, they will find someone who will."; There are a lot of people out there -- with more education and even younger than I am -- who need jobs and would work for less." 

I think part of the problem happens when we become our job -- that is, we confuse our identity of who we are with what we do. I can tell you fear runs that game.

About 72% of respondents in a recent Human Resources Management study said exhaustion was the most significant indicator of too much work, stress, lack of work/life balance, time away from the family and working too many hours.

So in my little group -- how do they cope?  It was interesting...about 45% take a sick day.  "Me" time involved vacations days, drinks out with friends and moving along the workload, i.e. delegation.

What do we do?  I found a very good article by Gill Corkindale on HBR.  Her information is excellent and she offers a solid perspective.  I know, it is another coping article, but I am hopeful you take it to heart and find parts of it you can use.

Life is so much more than a job.  And, the amazing thing...when you get the balance right for you...work isn't so much like work anymore.

Cheers!
DCR 

What Is My Truth Today.. WIMTT? 1/21/10

What is My truth Today...WIMTT? I have been thinking about the Haitian woman, Hoteline Losana (Natalie), pulled from the rubble of the earthquake in Haiti nearly one week after it happened. That she was rescued is truly wonderful and a great cause for happiness. What I can't stop thinking about is that she was singing when they pulled her free. I saw it on the news. This was no feeble, terrified woman. This was a woman with conviction that she was going to be found alive. They pulled her out on a stretcher, she drank some water and rested (the process took nearly 14 hours), then got in the car with her husband (sitting up in the passenger seat), the cameras filming as they drove away. She was smiling and looking around.
Today
Now, really, I have asked myself, would I be that brave? Would I be that strong; have that kind of faith, or would I be crying and diminished? I want to know what it was that Hoteline knew. It kept her safe and strong. I have a pretty good idea that she was saying her prayers. When the crowd was asked what she was singing, they said, "It is a song of God."
Today
I am going to continue to think about Hoteline's courage and singing -- and try a little singing of my own when faced with difficult moments. I mean nothing I am facing even compares, but what I am taking away from it, is my own ability to make a decision to react with strength and a "song in my heart" when the bad stuff happens. We all have the opportunity to choose how we will face loss, pain, tragedy, betrayal, illnesses, disaster and on and on.... I will be thinking about Hoteline Losana (Natalie). I will be singing.

Here is a link to story:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6995708.ece