How I Work
- Published
- in Starting the Day
Not long ago, I picked up a copy of Fortune Magazine. I don’t typically read Fortune but I was attracted to three words in bold letters on the front cover. The words were, "How I Work." That interested me because I am always curious about how others work. In particular, I am interested in how people manage their day to day flow of tasks, responsibilities, etc.
When I got to the article, the subtitle was, "How a dozen SUPER-ACHIEVERS tell how they stay ahead in the fast lane." At the end of the article, I just felt tired. Yes, they achieve but oh my….
"I’ll just sit down and DO E-Mail for ten to fourteen hours straight"–a VP of Google
Then there was the CEO of the New Jersey Nets who described his workday as lasting for 19 hours. 19 hours?
Not all of these people lived such extreme work lives. But a number of them did.
Most of us would probably not identify ourselves as "SUPER-ACHIEVERS. However, many of us work long and hard hours. Many are just trying to juggle it all and stay afloat.
But what happens when we live imbalanced lives? Some possibilities:
- A woman may explode in a fit of anger over an issue that did not demand such a destructive response.
- A man may lose any real connection with his wife/children. Oh, they still look the part. However, this man may no longer really know his wife or children.
- A person may begin to define herself/himself by how much money is made in a year.
- Fun all but disappears.
- Friendships may all but die–unless they are related to work.
Work is good. Working hard is good. But we were created as whole persons to live balanced lives. Maybe it would be good to think about this today.
Am I living a balanced life? Am I modeling a lifestyle that I would recommend to my children or grandchildren? It could be that you are in a situation that you recognize as being imbalanced. I am not trying to add to your frustration or even guilt with this. You are probably doing you best to bring more balance back into your life.
I wonder more about those of us who aren’t even struggling with the imbalance. We don’t see it or recognize it in our lives.
Balance is hard to maintain. I have it one minute, then the next thing I know it, I’m focusing on some minor thing….
I can relate…It is a never ending battle (for me) some days.
I live a disciplined life, work out regularly, eat and sleep well. Being divorced/single means that (apart from the non-negotiable times when I see my children) I can decide what I do and when. But last year I found my week was becoming an unending list of social engagements – not parties, but mentoring/friendship stuff. This year I have cut down on the number evenings I am ‘out. I feel a lot better for it. But my diary is already backed up to May. Am I being selfish, or sensible? I think the latter, but Jesus was often tired (dare I say ‘irritable’?) from his endless self-giving… am I here on earth to be content/well/fulfilled, or to help others… am i more of a blessing to people when i’m well and refreshed, or would it be better to see more people and be tired and ragged? I guess we all have to make our own decisions… but, yes, it is a struggle to know what the ‘right’ path is.
Jim, Thanks. I think another aspect here is that something or another of how parents lived in a home is imbibed by their children as they live their adult lives. I believe this is true in my case. Good and not so good.
I think pastors who make sure they have regular significant family time, can be a great model for their congregation. To be able to say no to this and that, to the (sometimes) endless round of committee meetings. May not always be possible at times, but a good goal to shoot at. And certainly living in balance ought to be always our goal, as you say. Thanks again.
Brett,
You raise a good question. “Am I being selfish or sensible?” At times, it has been a real struggle for me to know what to do with that one. I do think there is something to be said for “balance” so that I am taking care of what God has given me.
Ted,
Very good comment! I very much agree.