Don’t forget Joy!
Today we spend more and more time pushing ourselves to climb the corporate ladder, and double our yearly income. We rush from one appointment to another, having such overloaded schedules that we hardly have time for our families, or ourselves. Without even noticing, we start neglecting ourselves, pushing our own needs to the back. The only thing that takes priority is business deadlines, our own personal needs long forgotten. Now being an entrepreneur myself, I understand the importance of networking, promoting your company, and generally going the extra mile in order to reach you goals; however, your business shouldn’t be the only thing that takes priority in your life. All too often, we completely lose perspective, putting all our time and energy into the business. The problem in doing that is that we eventually head for a burnout, losing our joy for life.
My motto in life is that people, who work hard, must also play hard. You need to make some time for yourself in order to maintain some form of sanity. People don’t realize this, but in order to make a success of our lives we need to have happiness and joy in our lives. Losing your zest for life also means losing your business edge, losing that energy that normally drives you forward. I have come to the realization that taking care of myself and scheduling some fun into my life, helps in maintaining that cutting edge I need to blow the socks off prospective clients. I believe it is imperative to ever so often take a break away from the city and enjoy time away with your family and friends. I always say that a change is as good as a holiday; you get to meet other people and see life from their perspective.
Networking with others in a relaxed environment will also help to promote what you do best in your business. Many successful people say they do more business deals at social gatherings than what they do in the office. However, as I said before, don’t let business take over your whole life, still leave some time for yourself and your needs. Think about this, if you are not going to take care of yourself and your needs, then nobody else is going to do it for you. You really think anybody cares about your personal well-being, I don’t think so. Start taking care of your needs and nurturing the person who is at the centre of you, because taking care of yourself, in essence means taking care of your business. Make sure to leave some time in your life for fun and Joy… even if you aren’t dating a woman named Joy 
By Karolyn McKinley, January 8, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
Hear! Hear! Took awhile but I finally get that!
By Ross, January 8, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
I totally agree. One should always leave room for ‘joy’ in their life.
By Ann, January 11, 2010 @ 12:22 am
Yes Yes Chris, very good article huh. Business and Joy good combination for success.