Hi Clappy: I wonder sometimes myself how I keep up with all the things I do. It's not easy at times, of course. Friends tell me I've always been this way.
I think, Clappy, that the short answer is that I have good organizational skills and I set goals. Plus, I have a high energy level, require little sleep, and stay motivated. I want to work. I like to work. I thrive on challenges and accomplishments. In search of excellence every day, as I've said before. That requires a huge commitment of time and effort.
You asked if I allot a certain time each day for things. Yes, I do, but it's not the same each day per se. My days vary too much. What I do to maximize my efforts is designate time by task. For example, I'll say to myself that for the next hour, I'm only going to do "xyz" and then I do just that, nothing else. I stay focused. That helps efficiency so I don't just spin my wheels. I stay with a schedule. I control my time and practice good time management. You asked if it was a rigid schedule, and I guess it would be considered by some to be rigid, but I think it has more to do with discipline.
All that in those previous two paragraphs helps me stay focused when I'm on the road so much and away from home, to answer your question.
You asked about my side ventures and new business projects, and whether they run themselves. Aside from my regular Firm business, my other projects are mostly real estate and civic, Clappy. I usually don't have anyone else but me to handle that stuff so I'm the one that has to make the quick trips to take care of something. Civic wise, I'm active in a couple of civic groups and serve on the Board for one.
A downside to this level of activity is trying to balance family and down time, or relaxation as you mentioned. It's a matter of setting life priorities and living by them. In spite of my schedule, I have hardly ever missed one of my childrens' functions, ever. I've been a coach on my boys' teams in either baseball or soccer for the last 13 years as my boys have grown up. I've been right there with them. I may have been late for a few events, but rarely ever missed one. I force my business schedule around theirs.
As far as relaxing, I'm too hyper to even sit still. I'd go nuts. My family says I never relax. They think I'm nuts. They are right. Seems every day I'm always working on something, some goal, whether it's business or personal. But, it's a matter of setting priorities, and sticking with the life plan in that regard. I make it work. I try to include a lot of down time to try and relax, but in my own way. Being with my family is my stabilizer. But, yes, to answer your question specifically, I do find it difficult to relax in the normal sense.
You asked, "And how do you prevent yourself from getting in a rut? Or how do you get yourself out of a rut and keep a positive attitude at all times?" Ah, now those are great questions, Clappy. I could write for hours on this subject alone.
I hardly ever get in a rut. How? I won't allow it. Nope. Won't allow it. That is outside my life parameters. It starts with attitude. I push myself. I keep a positive outlook on life, every day. It starts when I get up in the mornings. You may have heard me say this before on here, but when I get up every day, I make a conscious decision on how I'm going to act, no matter how difficult of a day I know it will be. Sometimes it's not easy. I have my bad days, too. But, even in extreme adversity, I seek the positive as best as possible. It's my choice how I act and I tell myself that I'm going to meet the challenges of life head on.
I'm thankful for everything life has given me and I certainly don't take it for granted. That little saying I sometimes quote on here about "hoping you did something worthwhile this week for it cost you a week of your life" is spot on. It's my choice how I go through life and I'm going to make the best of it and with a smile. That's my decision. I control it. I won't allow myself to do anything less.
I hope that I answered all your questions, Clappy. I sort of rambled a bit. If I missed something or if you have a specific follow-up question, then let me know.
Have a great Sunday!
RR |
