July 25, 2011 – Issue #17

Have Your Dessert First
We have come to accept the notion that we must save the best for last. We are conditioned to think that we must get all our work done before we can give ourselves permission to relax or have a good time. It is as if relaxing has become the reward for hard work.

Relaxing often seems unavailable to us until…until we’ve got it all done. But the unfortunate truth is the “inbox of life” is never empty and “everything else” is never done. There is no law that says we have to wait until we’ve earned the right to relax.

Switch it up. Try relaxing just because you can. Experience a replenishing break from your work routine.

Survey Says
Contribute to the conversation.

Last week we asked – Why do we value relaxation less than we value productivity: we are addicted to accomplishing tasks; we perceive ourselves as lazy if we are not producing results; we attach our self-worth to getting things done; we believe that downtime is a reward for a job well done?

The majority of you responded “we attach our self-worth to getting things done” at 57% (next highest rated option was “we believe that downtime is a reward for a job well done” at 25%.)

You may subscribe and encourage others to subscribe by clicking here.

© Betsy Jordyn and Lisa Martin 2011. All rights reserved.

July 18, 2011 – Issue #16

Vacations are Good for Business
Summertime for many is synonymous with vacation. Images of trips to the beach or a theme park come to mind. But that is often accompanied with visions of the volumes of email and massive workload that will greet you when you get back. To vacate or not to vacate…that is the question!

If you wrestle with whether or not you vacate, consider whether or not, you fully value the purpose of rest and getting away. Recreation, especially with those you care about, is essential. When you get away from the daily grind, you get perspective and a chance to recharge your batteries.

Survey Says
Contribute to the conversation.

Answer this week’s poll here – Why do we value relaxation less than we value productivity: we are addicted to accomplishing tasks; we perceive ourselves as lazy if we are not producing results; we attach our self-worth to getting things done; we believe that downtime is a reward for a job well done?

You may subscribe and encourage others to subscribe by clicking here.

© Betsy Jordyn and Lisa Martin 2011. All rights reserved.

July 11, 2011 – Issue #15

Bring Fun to Work
Does the familiar statement “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” resonate with you? The current economic environment has created cultures of overwork, which in turn makes for exceptionally serious work environments. Lack of fun and laughter in the workplace not only makes employees less engaged, it inhibits the development of strong, functional, trusting teams.

Making time to play and have fun takes commitment. Take action today to bring back the fun, relational element of work. Ask colleagues out to socialize. Organize group potluck lunches. Take time in team meetings to interact and enjoy one another.

Survey Says
Contribute to the conversation.

Last week we asked you – Why is it hard to tap into our playful spirits and create connection with those around us through fun: worries of the world and our obligations; feels immature and not responsible; simply no time…too much to get done in a short amount of time; it is not important or relevant to success?

Overwhelmingly the response was “lack of time” at 63% (next highest rated option was worries of the world and obligations at 17%.)

We could give you a simple solution to this dilemma – but we didn’t. To find out more click here.

You may subscribe and encourage others to subscribe by clicking here.

© Betsy Jordyn and Lisa Martin 2011. All rights reserved.

July 4, 2011 – Issue #14

Remember to Play
When did you last set aside time to play? When did you last have a laugh-till-your-cheeks-hurt, no-holds-barred good time?

It is vital to create space for play. Playing restores and re-energizes you. It makes you feel good physically. Play evens out our emotional lives by creating opportunities for us to be not so serious all the time. We just have to look at children to be reminded of the magical powers of play.

Think of how that used to feel…playing for the fun of it, for pure pleasure. Fun is important for several reasons. Laughter is good for the soul. And having fun together is what creates community. As humans, we are not solitary beings. We need relationships to thrive – both on the job and off.

Survey Says
Contribute to the conversation.

Answer this week’s poll here – Why is it hard to tap into our playful spirits and create connection with those around us through fun: worries of the world and our obligations; feels immature and not responsible; simply no time…too much to get done in a short amount of time; it is not important or relevant to success?

You may subscribe and encourage others to subscribe by clicking here.

© Betsy Jordyn and Lisa Martin 2011. All rights reserved.