Posted by Beth Fillerup on Thu, Feb 18, 2010 @ 05:58 PM
You have probably heard some variation of the quotes: "Life is what happens when we are busy making other plans" or "Life is a journey, not a destination." In my own life, I often find myself focused on "making other plans" and trying to reach my next "destination," working so hard in my business that I lose focus on the journey. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a shock to the system to remind us that life is indeed a journey and that we need to enjoy every bit of it.
Sadly, I recently received one of those shocks. One of my sisters, Rose, died suddenly of a heart attack last month at the age of 57. An event like this makes you reevaluate your own life and rethink your priorities. It also shows you how quickly life can change and to make sure you are enjoying the journey along the way.
I have reflected a lot on my life over the last month and have concluded a couple of things. I feel fortunate to do the work I do - helping people achieve their business and personal goals and dreams is very rewarding; however, my life balance is lacking the attention it deserves.
Over 700 people attended my sister's funeral; it was clear that she had influenced so many in her circle of friends, family, and community, on so many levels. In addition, she maintained a healthy life balance of raising four kids, hiking in the Sierra Nevada (including Mount Whitney two years ago), educating hundreds of children, and working with the State and National Park Service to replant native species. It was apparent that she had recognized and truly appreciated her life journey.
Seeing Rose's journey so clearly and in stark contrast to my own, I realized that I and many other business owners I know are so busy "making other plans" and "reaching our destination" that we are not taking time to enjoy the journey. We believe that by working so hard, we will have more freedom and flexibility as we meet our future goals. In reality, we become one-dimensional: slaving away with less freedom while life passes us by.
I have started and encourage you to take time each week to plan - and calendar - what you are going to do for yourself. What activities will you participate in? What individuals will you spend more time with? Better yet, create a goal list of the top 10 items that you want to achieve in your life or that you want to begin working on.
My sister Rose will be remembered by many, including myself, for her positive influence and for the impact she had on our lives. I also have a little piece of her that I will carry with me through life - inspiration. I will use her inspiration to redirect and enjoy my current journey; not just always work toward a future goal or dream.
The Bottom Line
Life is short. Take time to assess whether you are living the life you want TODAY. I am a believer that through hard work we can achieve anything, and if we focus some of our hard work toward a sustainable life balance, we can get just that. Every week, make a point to plan and calendar time to maintain your life balance. I have to go now - I'm planting my spring garden. Thank you Rose.
Do you have life goals you'd like to share? If so, leave us a comment on our blog or email Michael at MGunther@collaboration-llc.com. Your goals will be featured in an upcoming blog or Facebook posting.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.
Posted by Beth Fillerup on Mon, Dec 28, 2009 @ 11:29 PM
By
Michael Gunther, President and Founder,
Collaboration LLC
We've all heard over and over again about the importance of exercising and eating healthy, specifically for reducing stress and maintaining overall health. And although I've heard it repeatedly, it was not until recently that I experienced the benefits first hand. It's not that I have ever been a gym rat or even very athletic - in fact, I have gone through many ups and downs with my exercise routines and eating habits. But this last year, I decided to change all that. I needed an outlet for my stress.
You know the stress I'm referring to - all the demands of running a business. The stress of never seeming to have enough time to do the things you want or even need to do for your business. The stress from not knowing if you can get the credit you need to grow your business. The stress of realizing your sales engine has to remain on full all year long just to sustain your revenue levels from previous years. The stress of having to make tough financial business decisions that will impact other people's lives.
Okay, so you get my point. As business owners, there's a lot that we can stress over.
While stress can be a big motivator for some people, I discovered that too much stress actually makes me a less effective leader and business owner. Mid-way through this last year, I knew that I had to make some changes to my lifestyle in order to be more effective in business. I decided to try living a healthy lifestyle and started focusing on a regular exercise routine and healthy eating regimen. The results? Great enough for me to encourage you - if you're feeling stressed - to try it out.
My new healthy lifestyle has allowed me to not only shed some extra pounds but also to focus on growing my business and achieving my goals in a positive and productive manner. Here are the details of what transpired:
Reduced Stress:
Beyond the physical benefits my new healthy routines have rewarded me, I have been amazed at how my stress levels have tremendously reduced. I can't stress enough (yes, pun intended) how this has positively enriched every aspect of my day. I have a clearer mind on how to deal with issues that arise within my business.
Improved Productivity:
As business owners, we have a lot of demands placed on our time. From personal experience, I can tell you that it is imperative to find ways to release the stress that results from these demands. On days that I don't exercise, I feel less balanced and prepared to face the day. When I do exercise, I notice that I have increased energy towards projects and my time is spent more productively.
Oh, and Less Weight:
There are two pictures in my column today. In the new picture (far right), I am actually more than 25 pounds lighter than I was when I took the old picture (far left). And because of all the other benefits living healthier has rewarded me, taking the weight off has been a real benefit - both literally and figuratively.
The Bottom Line
As business owners, our list of tasks will always exist and there will always be tasks to fill our day (and more). Make the commitment and the time to live a healthy lifestyle; you will find your time is spent more effectively and in higher spirits. Start making time for your health today - both you and your business will feel the benefits.
Do you have a plan to make a health shift this year? Leave us a comment about what you plan to do to reduce your stress/ start a healthy lifestyle.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education, coaching, and consulting services. Learn more at www.collaboration-llc.com.
Posted by Michael Gunther on Mon, Jul 27, 2009 @ 07:21 PM
By Michael Gunther, President of Collaboration LLC, Business Growth Specialists
I must admit, as a business owner, I feel the need to create balance in my life quite often. In fact, I originally thought when I started my business that I would have more free time and flexibility by being my own boss. More time to exercise, to be with family and friends, to take kayaking lessons, or finally get that painting job done at home.
Yet, like many business owners, I am so busy working in my business that I'm afraid before I know it summer will be over and my dreams of taking a summer vacation will have slipped away. So I've decided to go on a family camping trip - one that has been a tradition in my family for over 40 years. I grew up in a family with 17 children and this trip is an annual reunion for those siblings who can still brave the camping regime. In fact, my 85 year old mother still camps with us; further motivation for me to find time to go.
Here I am, on the eve of my camping trip, stressing about going out of town for just a five day break. I'm stressing about getting out of town, stressing about my business surviving without me, stressing that I will not be able to relax enough before I turn around and come back home, stressing at my hectic schedule I will return to. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
The irony is not lost on me: I work with business owners on balancing their lives, and yet I struggle with that very same challenge. I am fully aware that every time I take a break or create more balance in my life, I come back more energized, more focused, and with about 50 more ideas on how to grow or improve my business.
I have been pondering this dilemma; knowing the value of getting away from the office (whether for just a few short hours or days) yet still not partaking in the activities or trips that I know would make me a better leader, business owner, and consultant . And I realized that we stay so busy working towards achieving a goal or dream that we do not take time to enjoy the journey. Before we know it weeks, months, or years go by - time we can never regain.
I encourage you today to take a few minutes and identify a list of activities, goals, or dreams that you want to do to create balance your life; to enjoy this glorious summer season. With this list, plan when you will start the top three items - block the time on your calendar if necessary. Keep a commitment to yourself that with all the hours you work, you will spend at least a couple of hours a week on activities you believe will create balance your life.
The Bottom Line
To be more effective in your role as leaders or business owners, you need to make sure that you create balance in your life by making time for the activities or relationships that bring you happiness.
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