(c) Florian Radarte
“all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”
also goes along with
“a change is as good as a rest”
I wrote some time ago in “Stop the “Busyness”“:
“Put simply, for leaders, less is more. Simple, yes? But how many of you just skipped over this and then skipped to thinking: “I get that, but I have so much to do, I’m so BUSY !””
Make time to do things outside of your busy work life, it will pay dividends across all areas of life.
I sit writing this early afternoon on a Sunday, as often up against a deadline of meeting my commitment to post daily, as this will go out Monday 8am.
Today a reflection on making time for not only play but commitments outside work, after a fourteen hour day yesterday of work of a different kind.
So, this Saturday I did indeed do something different. Not “play”, but work that inspires me. Not a rest, as I left my flat at 7am and didn’t get back until about 9pm, so fourteen hours of work that exhausted me. I sit writing this around 1pm on a Sunday and didn’t get going until about 11am this morning. My Fitbit sleep tracking tells me I slept long and soundly, and it certainly feels that way!
That Saturday of work was as a volunteer official at a swim meet, once again at the majestic London Aquatics Centre.
It was a long and tiring day for everyone, and I have great respect for those who also worked the next day as it was a two day meet. For myself, I recognised that to manage my own energy, one fourteen hour day was enough if I am to be in fit condition for a full and active week ahead.
Now, a change IS as good as a rest and all work and the day did inspire me, and one moment, in particular, shone out.
Yesterday saw me referee a race where a world record was broken for the first time.
First, it was inspirational to be present for that.
Second, I had to be really focussed on what the procedures and rules were for multiple swimming organisations (national, category and world bodies) for ratification of world records. That sharpened my skills for sure. One meaning of “dull” (as in the saying above) is the opposite of sharp. Great to sharpen the attention and the skills in this case.
Next, as I completed the form and put my signature to it, it was inspirational to take a moment to be present to being a tiny part of sporting history.
Make time to play, and also to work in ways outside your normal profession. Personally, I love being a swim referee, as I learn new skills and am inspired at the same time. Senses are sharpened, ideas flow, skills are learned and shared onwards to others.
What do you do or could you do?
“all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”
“a change is as good as a rest”