A few weeks back I ran across a blog title that caught my eye, but didn’t actually get me to click the link to read the post. The title, and I’m paraphrasing, was discussing whether being constantly busy, or at least having that internal perception, was good for business. We have all said at some point that we were extremely busy and then proceeded to list off all the things we are working on at that moment in time, while still knowing somewhere in the back of our minds that there is always a little space in our lives. And it’s that space that is so vital to our success, not only as professionals but also as people.
Recently I was promoted to Manager of AV Engineering by the integration firm that employs me. Prior to that I had been a project manager. I didn’t quite realize just how much of my energy and time was going to shift when I took the new position. If someone had tried to tell me that I would spend a large percentage of my time worried about coordinating materials in order to set a project schedule for the department I would probably have p-shawed the idea. But now that’s what keeps me up late. It isn’t selecting the right product for the job or ensuring that all the parts and pieces will fit together and have been specified in the system — it’s the coordination.
There are days when I go home at night and think about what it was that I accomplished during the work day and very little comes to mind because it seems that I’d spent my time running between projects trying to clear up a lack of materials, the client’s expectations, and exact deadlines. As someone who thrives on crossing things off lists, I find this can be extremely mentally exhausting as I work with the team to slowly push projects to meet their completion requirements. This means that the first hour or two after I’m through the front door are typically spent going over what was missed that day and what needs to be done for the next.
When you tie in my work day with my writing schedule and personal/family obligations it definitely appears that I fit the definition of “busy.” We all need to give ourselves a rest from time to time to allow for decompression, analysis, and internal resolution. Some folks say vacations are required to recharge your batteries in such a case, but what about those who, for one reason or another, can’t afford to take a vacation — even if that means just staying home for a few days to recuperate from the daily grind?
What makes taking that break more difficult sometimes is the fact that there are two opposing ideologies out there for professional success. We constantly hear the stories about the professionals that work 18 to 20 hours a day, say yes to every opportunity, and become the leaders and innovators in their industry. My question to you, dear reader, is whether or not that is the kind of success you are looking for? Are you in pursuit of the professional success as an industry innovator? Are you after the financial success where money is of no concern anymore? Or are you the kind of person where success is based around your world outside of work and your job is what allows you to do the other things you are passionate about in life?
Success is not a public idea. It’s a personal idea. A person can be at the top of their industry and be completely miserable because all of their time is devoted to areas that prevent them from pursuing what they really care about. Simultaneously, a person can seem to “have it all” with family, friends, work, personal life, and still be unhappy. The only way to avoid this trap is to stop and take a breath.
Only you can define the kind of success you’re looking for in your own life. Who do you want to be in the long run? Evaluate your skills, goals, and circumstances to see how it all aligns with where you see your happiness. Then, give yourself some leeway because the fact is what you think you want may have no bearing on reality when you actually get there.
Success is a moving target because we are constantly changing and growing as professionals and, more importantly, as human beings. So as your plate starts to fill up, as your mind starts to boil with projects, ideas, and preoccupations, and as you try to resolve where you want to be in the long run, know that you are just like everyone else in this respect. We’re all looking to get somewhere. So, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and give yourself the momentary break you’ve earned in order to make your next move. Doing this time and time again will start to build the foundation toward where you want to be in the long run.
