For many years I’ve been a big fan of Greg McKeown, the author of the books “Essentialism” and “Effortless.”
Like you, I regularly receive blogs, read e-newsletters, see things on Facebook and Twitter and other impactful communications.
In late October I received Greg McKeown’s “1 Minute Wednesday.” His message below was more personal than many of the items I receive and because of many of the confidential conversations I’ve had with chamber execs lately, I felt compelled to share. It was as if Greg was directing his message to chamber professionals.
We all need a Break.
Many of us are facing burnout because we’re always available. Cell phones ring at every hour. Emails arrive around the clock. 24/7 availability has become the standard.
The pandemic only accelerated this evaporation of boundaries. These are perks of working from home, but one of the drawbacks is that we have lost one of our safe havens.
Taking time to escape isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.
Only by taking time to think, dream and plan are we able to discern the essential few from the trivial many in our lives.
But one thing is certain; we won’t get this time by default — only by design.
How can you design consistent time to escape?
Here are a few ideas:
• Schedule blocks of blank space on your calendar. Use the time to think, plan and dream.
• Start your day tech-free. Spend the first 20 minutes of your day reading, thinking and meditating.
• If you work from home, schedule mid-day breaks to get outside and walk.
• If your employer provides vacation time – use it.
• Whether you invest two hours a day, two weeks a year, or 20 minutes each morning, you will never regret making time to escape.
To the above, I say “Well said Greg!”
I also highly recommend reading BOTH of Greg’s books and you might also want to consider his “What’s Essential” podcast.