i’ve heard #3 presented as ‘build in margins.’ that is, if there are no seasons/periods/habits of rest, then the wall doesn’t give any when you hit it. it’s the principle behind the concept of ‘sabbath.’
On #1: “We can forgive a man for making a useful thing as long as he does not admire it. The only excuse for making a useless thing is that one admires it intensely. All art is quite useless.” -Oscar Wilde
Along the lines of #3, it also helps me to schedule variance in my projects. Sometimes I’ve got work energy left in me, but not for the project I’ve spent the last few hours working on. I switch it up to something else and find a new wave of energy. It sounds simple, but I find it too easy to be linear about my to-do list and not allow myself flexibility.
Oh, and sorry to double-comment, but the weight of #4 just sunk in with me. Hard seasons are also crucial to myself personally. They help make the things/projects/relationships/personal issues that need my time and attention clearer. Sadly the insight often comes in the form or “stop doing that,” or “do the opposite of what you’ve been doing,” but it’s still crucial to recognize the power of those moments.
Great list.
Related to #3; learned this awhile back (and it helps greatly).
1. abandon annually – be sure to get yourself a vacation, time away to recharge, be removed from stress, troubles, jobs, etc (holidays don’t count)
2. measure monthly – every month review where you are, what you’re doing, where you want to be; and take practical steps to change. go to a seminar, learn a new skill; its about growing; and a monthly guide helps. are you passionate about your work, or merely working to survive? stuff like should always be examined.
3. withdraw weekly – find some solitude at least once a week – away from the office. Go get coffee or lunch with a friend. Take your wife out.
4. divert daily – exercise, long walk, video game, TV — something every day to transition work to home; and find fun in living
Hoobastank!
Nice list :)
Regarding number 2. It hurts but I’m doing my best. And surprisingly I’m learning things I never thought possible.
Thanks for the reminder to keep going even through seemingly tumultuous times.
About The Author
I'm a graphic designer and sometimes writer living in Anderson, South Carolina. I serve as the Design Director for NewSpring Church. I love Jesus, my wife, Levi's Jeans, good Tex-Mex, and 8oz glass bottle Coca-Cola Classic. On good days I love them roughly in that order. Email me.
Five Lessons Learned Lately
Fri 01/23/09
1. You can make it pretty as pretty can be, but if it doesn’t work or people can’t use it, you lose.
2. Don’t hire until it hurts; you can do more than you think you can.
3. Don’t overdo it; dedicated time for fun-having makes work time better.
4. Hard seasons separate the hirelings from the People Who Get It.
5. Working out consistently is amazing, and well worth the sleep and money traded for it.