Can Downtime Improve Your Results?
I passionately strive to achieve the goals I set for myself. I love the rush I get from crossing something off my to do list, the exhilaration of achieving a goal, and the feeling of accomplishment that stems from knowing that I’m living up to the potential that God placed within me. While I recognize the importance of drive and productivity, I also acknowledge that I need a balanced approach if I intend on staying sane and pleasant while I go about my work as a “super woman and super mom!”
Recently, I gave myself permission to read something that had absolutely nothing to do with my professional development or personal development. That’s right I read a novel for the first time in years, and I loved it! The thing that’s odd is that I didn’t even realize that this was something that I missed until I was doing it again. It’s so easy to get caught up in accomplishing all the things we put on our lists that we forget to include “enjoy some downtime, and don’t feel guilty about it.” When I first started reading the novel I thought about all of the other things that “should” be doing. Then, I remembered that I deserve to take some time to enjoy myself. In fact, doing so is a critical component of self-care and rejuvenation.
So many women feel the pressure to be everything to everyone all the time, while maintaining a perfect attitude, hairstyle and outfit! Then, we end up neglecting our needs and wants in the process. While working with coaching clients, I’ve seen women that have completely lost touch with what they want and who they are altogether because of this. That’s definitely not what I want for myself or for you. My lesson learned was to enjoy some downtime and not feel guilty about it; I encourage you to do the same. Taking the time to engage in relaxing and/or exciting activities is revitalizing. It rebuilds our reserves so we can go about our work as moms, wives, leaders among all the other hats we wear.
Challenge:
My challenge to you is do something that you truly enjoy. You may have to try to remember what it is, but give yourself the time and space to honor the hobby, sport, or activity that you enjoy doing during your downtime. And, don’t even think about feeling guilty about taking that time for yourself; remember its restorative and it rebuilds your reserves.
Leave a Comment December 21, 2009
