« Virtual Salespeople- Part Two | Main | Oracle closes successful Q4 and reflects on Fiscal Year 2007 »

Get off the Crazy Work Treadmill!

I am sure you are on this "treadmill" of the never ending work day. One project leads to another which leads to more work etc. And while technology can help, it can also hinder- as an afternoon out at a client results in an overflowing inbox! You do more, you try harder and why does it feel like your never caught up?


First, we have to get a grip on what is truly necessary. More More More seems to be the mantra of our country and also what lures us into more work as well. How do we know what is enough?

Set YOUR OWN GOALS. That's right, you’re in a highly measurable business, and you’re constantly being measured in your sales efforts. So set some personal goals, and let those goals dictate where you should spend your time and energy. Work on developing new skills, such as pacing, timing, introspection and also update your expectations on rest, relaxation and down time.

We can't always be on the go, plus studies have proven the value of rest and other non-work activities that essentially allow you to be more creative and sharper in your job. Learn the fine art of discipline- to carve out time for yourself, to pull yourself away from your desk, and to plug into good things around family time, you time and community time as well. Define what's enough and learn to discipline yourself to hit that "off switch".
Heck, any coach will tell you, knowing when the game is over or is it time for a new game is as important a strategy as forging ahead.
Where do you start? Become a little non-conformist. Define YOUR goals and what works for you. What might work for the sales rep in the next cubicle, might not work for you.
Don't: Work harder because you think everyone around you is working harder. They might have different goals that you, and thus chose to spend more time at the office.
Do: Select where you put your time and attention and determine it by watching and reflecting on things. Wherever you align your energy must reciprocate with something. This will help you to "cut and run" on some sales cycles, that you might have chosen to participate in, even thought you knew they had a slight chance of evolving into anything.
Do: Breathe. This is the best centering and calming tool and everyone has it. While everyone is running in circles and going crazy over deadlines and such, this one act can help jump start your brain and help you out of the chaos.
Do: Guard your time like it is a limited commodity-because it is. Whatever time is wasted at work, you certainly don't want to sacrifice the time from home, so be present in everything you do.
Don't: Waste time pushing boulders up hill. Set realistic goals and expectations, and set your own rewards for accomplishing your goals.
Do: Observe people and situations objectively, there is tremendous wisdom gained from sitting and reflecting and observing. Realize that no matter how old you are, there is always something you can learn from everyone.

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.techslog.com/movabletype/mt-tb.cgi/253

Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)

Subscribe To Email

Subscribe via email
Subscribe to techslog via email