Have you been feeling a desire to do something different? Maybe break away from the monotony of mundane life? Did you want to take the time to get to know yourself on a different level or tap into your creativity more? Despite what you may think as a workaholic, there is plenty of time to do this. You just need a little nudge in the right direction.
Most of us who are actually self employed are high achievers. We spend so much time perfecting ourselves, improving ourselves, learning and improving on skills we find desirable to the industry we're in, critiquing ourselves...it never stops. Sometimes we need to admit to ourselves our efforts are done in vein or to put a viel over some of the real problems we're afraid to tackle. These problems usually come in the form of creative block, burn out, negative self talk, sleepless nights, poor diet, lack of nutrients, no social life, high stress, depression, and a hermited lifestyle in the extreme cases. I think you can admit this is at least slightly unhealthy and it's your one way ticket to working yourself to the grave. The problem is we think that when we are not busy enough, we are not achieving enough and that cannot be farther from the truth.
Editor's note: There are a great number of people who are unemployed that claim they are self employed just to say face. I'm always watching people who mark their occupation solely as "self employed" to see if their productivity matches their claim. Making such a false claim throws off the integrity of reported economic statistics (which is another article).
Some of the popular things that have been said to spring these feelings on are, "If you find for one minute you doubt what you're doing, you should stop immediately." I believe this is said by competitors who see your burn out and fatigue phase brought on by overworking. Understand that they do feed on this. Another buzz phrase I see all over social media is, "When you're passionate about what you're doing, you don't work a day in your life." While this is true, it targets or can be a trigger of high stress and depression. Yes it does sound funny doesn't it? How can something that makes you so happy make you so miserable? It's simple. You're overworking! It can also be that you're critiquing yourself to a point of negative self talk, and by this, the critiquing had become excessive. Another one I see a lot is, "You don't need to know everything. Just jump in!" Why, so you can pick up the pieces when I fail my venture? This is another smooth talking phrase spoken by competitors who are literally trying to crush you. Realize most of the things said on social media or are directly advised are only meant for showing off or misguiding you. It's merely an illusion built on the interest of feeding the person's ego who is spreading these messages. One can only hope they have little interest in abiding the legal aspects of business or are willfully ignorant.
Looking at this from the stance of recognizing your competitors, realize that you just did. Listen very closely to what is being said and proactively understand the intention behind these things. By taking a few minutes out to do this, you have eliminated senseless suffering and falling prey to overworking. Think of it this way. When you fall prey, you're spending more time on damage control than you are actually building. The results are usually that you fold and lose your business. This is what happens when you cut corners and believe that somehow everything is set up for you. Oh it is set up for you, but not to succeed. Again, you're dealing with competitors. Nipping this in the bud and becoming more thorough in your work and how you approach your work will save you more time than you think. Then you can begin to enjoy what you do and your free time more. You'll finally be able to know what it's like to have free time.
Most people who work the traditional nine to five typically see two days off per week and may get a week or two off for vacation annually. Have you seen this time off recently or in this year? The way they spend their time varies as we know and will see on their facebook posts. I say good for them and I'm happy they know how to live outside of work. If you're still with me I have some great ideas to help both you and I balance ourselves out and get back to knowing what it is to live. You're not looking at a typical bulleted list. Instead I would like to address some things and help us to turn ourselves around with the ideas I have:
Don't go cold turkey! Yes it's tempting to set up a 90 day challenge taking at least one entire day off. While some may succeed with this, nothing in this world has a size that fits all. I'll use the example of an artist or person in the creative services field (who are all notorious for overworking). Instead of taking a full day off, try tackling only one task. Then take the rest of the day off to tend to your home, spend time with family, tapping into your spirituality, or doing something you enjoy. Choose a Saturday or Sunday as a "part time" day. When you're ready, you can turn that into two days. Imagine yourself at that destination you have been wanting to visit. You will thank yourself for this later on.
Commune with nature as much as you can. There are botanical gardens available in urban areas. So there is no excuse here! Get your butt outside and learn how to commune with all that is not human in this world. You would be amazed at how alive and refreshed you feel. If the inner workaholic creeps up here, take a camera, a book, or notepad with you. That will allow you to get some productivity in while experiencing the beauty this planet has to offer.
Visit a restaurant you have never been to. You know that menu that was left in your mailbox you put aside thinking how wonderful it would be to order from there? Have a glance at it and don't reach for the phone. Nope! I said put that phone down now! Visit it instead and take in the atmosphere of the place. You can even observe how they run their business, and if you're into psychology on any level, observing the dynamics between the staff can be a fun thing to do while trying out that dish you have been eyeing. If you're into asthetics, breathe in the visual of the wares the restaurant uses to serve your food in with your eyes. Isn't it beautiful? It certainly tops the boring experience of eating out of a take out container. I'm sure you saved up plenty of those anyway. If you're the more gregareous, networking type, strike up a conversation with the server. Yes they're busy, but there is always something to take away from a conversation that lasted a few minutes. It may just inspire you.
Visit a cafe without bringing any of your devices. Yes! You need to unplug to restore the neurons in your brain cells. I'm aware of how challenging this one is. If you don't have the intention of meeting anyone new or making new friends, you can take a non-digital hobby with you that you enjoy. Some of them can be drawing, writing, knitting, or observing life. See? That wasn't so bad and you're doing something you enjoy while taking time off from work. If someone approaches you to engage in conversation, be polite and join in it. Making new friends lifts your spirit and lets you know you're still human. Besides, meeting new people by chance is one of the best things about being alive. The randomness of it may also bring about an impromptu event which is always fun! You may end up getting out more with this person you met given you have common interests. I have no words for how beautiful and amazing that is.
As you're reading this, I kept in mind to save the biggest for last. Put down the vices! It can be wine, beer, hard alcohol, or gambling as an example. The affiliate programs attached to gambling platforms are only there to tighten the shackles you're wearing. You don't need them. You're not a factory worker shackled to your work only to abuse substances when you're "freed", then facing the same cycle over and over. Visiting this place cyclically takes away from your focus and your life overall. All of these things are called thieves for good reason. As I'm writing this, being my only task I'm doing on this sunny Sunday, I'm more productive and focused due to ignoring my vice. I have been able to enjoy my weekend and I feel so much happier for it. I'm present, focused, and I'm living out my purpose.
Repeat this to yourself as much as you need to as a good mantra when you return from your very long break from working. "I'm present, focused, and I'm living out my purpose." This is much better than the self critiquing and negative self talk. You're slowly getting rid of this and replacing it with a healthy and true mantra. The beautiful thing about this mantra is you can recite it in your mind as you're spending time with family and getting things accomplished around the house. Feel the guilt of not working at the moment slip away as you stay in the moment - as you live in the moment. It feels good, doesn't it?
You're only a few steps away from taking better care of yourself and finding your happiness. Follow me and look for more posts of my articles pertaining to personal wellness. If you find you're struggling in any area this article talks about, I urge you to share with me what it is by leaving a comment. I read them all and would love to continue helping all of you who are seeking to live a better lifestyle.