Getting off the treadmill
It is great when you can have a proper break from your work. But many of us simply find it hard to stop working. The trouble with working too hard for too long is that it eventually comes at a cost - feeling drained, experiencing health problems, or perhaps strained relationships at home.
For some who defer their need for fun and freedom for too long, when they do have fun, they do so in high cost ways - heavy drinking being one of the most popular.
So how do we get off the treadmill? We first need to have a way of thinking that helps us to take action. Some of us are simply not thinking. We are on automatic pilot but not appreciating where our choices are taking us. Sometimes we think we need to finish our work before we give ourselves permission to relax. The trouble with this type of thinking is that if you wait until you have an empty in-basket before you stop work, you may well be waiting a long time. Some people find it helps to think, ‘That's enough for today' or ‘If I keep doing this, my family is missing out'. Find a thought that helps you to take action.
Part of the action you need to take is negotiating with your employer so you can have a life outside of work. I know people who work 70 plus hours each week and who are expected to be on call 24 hours a day. Here some solution needs to be found that considers your needs as well as those of your workplace.
Others find they keep thinking about work, even when they have gone home for the day. Many people find it helps to find something else to focus on that engages their attention. Here is where having children can be a real strength. Focusing on what they are needing or simply engaging with them, can help break out of unwanted thinking. This also holds true for passions, hobbies, and interests. For example, I find that when I am cycling, it is impossible for me to remain in work-focused thinking.
Other people have rituals that help them to disengage from their work. Getting out of your work clothes is a good start. Others find that having a shower helps them to wash away the challenges of the day. Others find that turning off their mobile phone or home computer also helps them to turn off from work.
When we set limits on how much time we give our work, we can often find that we get more done in less time. When we set firm limits on how long we are going to be at work, we tend to work more effectively with the time we have. Furthermore, when we allow ourselves to recharge properly in our personal life, we not only become happier within ourselves, we also become happier and more productive at work.
Want to use this article?
You are most welcome to reproduce this article in your newsletter, e-zine, or on your website.
All I ask is that you include a live link back to my website and the following by-line:
Ken Warren, known as ‘The Doctor of Difficult People’, is Australia’s leading speaker on the topic. He can show you how to turn difficult customers and co-workers into pussycats, make great teams even better, and achieve better outcomes with challenging clients. Check out his free resources at www.positivepeoplesolutions.com.au
Return to Articles page
Find out about coaching programs with Ken
Check out our upcoming public seminars
Book Ken for your next conference or in-house training day
