the best summer I can remember in my life. Not because of anything in particular I did or saw, but more from what I did NOT do. Let me explain. Like most entrepreneurs, I pride myself on getting a lot done, which means of course I constantly have a long list of projects to get done and things to complete. Somewhere along the way, most entrepreneurs adopt this unspoken rule that says the more you do and get done, the more successful you become. I’ve operated that way for as long as I can remember, and admittedly it has generated good results for me. But there’s a hidden cost in operating this way — you get tired. You can only operate at full tilt for so long before you begin to wear down .. physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually .. or all of the above. Going into this summer, that’s how I felt — accomplished, busy, ambitious, and exhausted. So I decided to consciously take more time off, and take as many things off my list to get done as possible. A bit of a social experiment on myself. We also made some big decisions in our business to reflect this shift — the most significant being that we decided to suspend all of our coaching programs starting in July, since we came to realize how much time and mind space the programs consumed. That was a tough decision since I get so much juice out of helping entrepreneurs fly and succeed, but it was time for us to make decisions for ourselves. In some ways, I felt a little bit selfish for making decisions that were about me as opposed to those I served. But I also recognized that if you’re not taking care of yourself first and foremost, you’re not going to be able to help others. This summer, we took not just one trip to the in-laws’ cabin, but two. We took a few long weekends to spend with family, and Cooper experienced his first camping trip in a tent (which he loved). We spent some time in Canmore, and to top my summer off, I went to Ireland for about 10 days to participate in a retreat with my friend and brilliant coach Philip McKernan. And it was in Ireland that I really discovered the power of creating space for yourself, and what can happen when you do it. Like many people, I’ve been told enough times how important it is to “create space” and take time for yourself. Meditate, go on a long quiet hike, spend some down time and just reflect. I put that on my to do list and did it. Check. Problem was, most times I did this, I was thinking about all the things I had to get done, writing notes about what new content or programs I should develop, and never disengaging my brain from all the “stuff” going in my real world. Ireland was really the first time I’ve done this that I can ever remember. We went on some incredible hikes, taking on the incredible beauty of the West coast of Ireland. With Philip’s help, I was able to really start to ask some powerful questions and what amazed me was that I spent zero time thinking about my business or what needed to be done. It was the first time I’ve ever created space for myself, and I came home a better man as a result. I’ve emerged from this summer with the most clarity I’ve ever had about my true priorities and intentions with my life, and what really matters. I’ve made some significant decisions about what I want in my life, and what I won’t tolerate. I realized there were things that I had not said to important people in my life that needed to be said. Those things are now said, and the peace that’s come to me as a result is profound. Along with Kourosh my business partner, we’ve made some strategic decisions that will shift our business in a way that aligns it even more with who we are and where we want to go. Without having physically removed myself from my busy life and surrounding myself with a group that was all committed to exploring their personal truths, I don’t think I would have ever had some of the realizations that came to me in Ireland. Not only am I grateful for the experience and what it will mean to my life and the important people in it, I’m extremely grateful for having a friend like Philip who has the wisdom and courage to pursue his own passion and authenticity, and to help others realize their own. I can truly say that I am the most grateful today that I’ve ever been in my life, and that gratitude continues to grow every day as I learn more about myself and the world around me. Philip has a great mantra that I can now say I truly get:
137 Responses
someone once said that we can have anything we want but not everything. And, at my mother’s recent passing, I realized that I don’t need everything. I need to focus on the few things that do matter and invest time with those items rather than constantly look for new skills, abilities, etc Your post once again reminded me of this. Thank you
Great thoughts, thanks Chuck.
Greg – loved the post! I did the same with my summer and found some truths that I was missing. While “not” thinking about business I attracted several new clients through referrals and seeds that I had sown earlier. I came back refreshed and clear. I took a little longer – 5 weeks in Scotland and England. I look forward to your next article. Thank you for expressing this so well.
Great stuff, Greg – thanks for sharing it!
Powerful, real, genuine and on target. Greg I actually was thinking, “hey, I haven’t gotten an email from Greg in a while” – awesome post. Here are two questions that came to me while reading this:
1. Ok – you can take time off because you’ve already established a successful business. Plus you did mention how that productive achiever inside of you’ve operated like that for as long as you can remember. Question: what’s your advice on balancing the “time off to yourself” while being in need of building a business for those who are beginning.
2. Yeah, I think we’d all love to hear more specifics on your meditative process.
Thank you Greg!
Thanks Ari – my thinking is that I plan to take off at least 10 weeks each year. It is entirely counter-intuitive, but I’ve found the more time I take off, the more productive I became and the more I achieve. It’s hard to actually try it because it doesn’t make sense, but it’s powerful when you try it and apply it. Even if you’re starting a business you need to take at least 1 full day off per week, absolute minimum. And you should be taking a full long weekend off every month. The time away creates space and power that working more hours will never make up for.
Thanks for sharing. Very useful post to remind us to take time away from daily tasks to create some space. much appreciated.
Grey post Greg and so true. I take mini vacations to make sure I disconnect. Just back from one today. Saw parents,best buddies,and my better half and I just enjoyed getting away from it all.
Greg, Nail meet hammer! Thank you! You could not have hit on a more appropriate topic for me. Thank you! Laura
Great post Greg and so true. I take mini vacations to make sure I disconnect. Just back from one today. Saw parents,best buddies,and my better half and I just enjoyed getting away from it all.
Hello, I am new here and glad to get a post, I am a young female entrepreneur from Ghana West Africa and although I hav not made it yet to relax, I sure will keep this note for future ref, cuz I will get there. Thank you so much for your book on how to think and grow rich , it inspires me a lot.
Welcome back then and hope to see more mails especially on how our business is doing I have a lot of questions to ask.
Thank you
OMG I so needed this, since I am going through all of it right now! I am Extremely exhausted, and everything that you say here is so truth, I do that all the time. Thank you so much!!
You’re welcome – and now just do it and take some time off! 🙂
Thanks, Greg! As a mind-body researcher and entrepreneur, I’m very interested in how people use the benefits of mind-body practices to prepare for and sustain themselves in leadership roles. I’d love to see more posts about your much-deserved time off and recalibration!
Thanks Stephanie, it’s definitely something I plan to write more about in the future so stay tuned.
Hi Greg, thank you for your powerful words and for having the courage to take time off. It really does take courage to step away and allow our minds and hearts to take a break. Good for you for doing it! I had some mini-breaks this summer but you’re inspiring me to take a bigger step away in the near future. As parents and entrepreneurs, many of us feel that if we’re not giving and working, we’re not being fair to those we love and serve. As you said, we can give so much more when we have a chance to rejuvenate and feel the entirety of the gratitude within us for the lives we lead. Congratulations, I hope you have a fantastic fall!
Thank you, and the same to you!
I enjoyed your comments and would be interested in some specific steps and especially what questions did you ask yourself. The retreat sounds like it made a huge difference for you. All the best. Thank you
Just did the same and went off the grid to Harbin Hot Springs and was in bliss without a phone and computer and just the water and woods. I feel that because 2012 is such a pivotal year it requires more focus on personal transformation than outer striving.
Great post Greg, and very timely!
A few months ago I came to the same conclusions myself. As a result, I’m off to Europe for a couple of weeks. No laptop, no tablet, just a notebook in case inspiration strikes!
I have been meditating now for about 5 years, and the practice helps me create the kind of space in my life that you talk about in your blog. I have not yet gotten to the point where I meditate every day, but I can truthfully say that I meditate at least twice a week, and am a happier person for the practice.
Great post Greg. When you take time to look deep inside, whether that’s through choice or through circumstances that life has presented to you, you learn a lot. If you’re humble, if you embrace those moments where you learn those truths, and if you keep them close by to help guide your future decisions, you come out on the other end with more clarity and wisdom. I can only imagine what spending time in Ireland with Philip would have been like. Thanks for sharing this! Hope you’re all doing well. Much love buddy.
Philip has really become powerful at what he does, a great experience. Thanks Jeff, hope you’re well!
Prioritize the most valuable task and delegate the least important
As an Entrepreneur on Fire, I find myself in these patterns – My Mission defines me, my purpose directs me, and when overwhelm creeps in… I increase my prayer, affirmation, Qigong, and proper sleep. Thanks Greg for this very important and timely message! You are Awesome!
Great post! Nearly 5 years ago I walked away from a “successful” career and cushie lifestyle that I felt was meaningless to move abroad and see the world. Since then I’ve found myself working 12+ hour days developing several businesses online. I’ve learned a ton, had a great time …. but if there is one casualty to my new life that I regret is all that space I used to have in my chushie “old life.”. Recently I’ve began to hire additional outsourcers to replace me and get out of the habit of working IN my business instead of ON my business. I can now stop to breathe; I’m regaining the much needed space in my life!
I really enjoyed Philip McKernan’s bonus videos hat were part of the course I got through you. The guys is awesome; really tells it like it is.
Phillip is awesome, and I’d strongly encourage anyone looking to become more authentic and enjoy their life more to look him up. http://www.philipmckernan.com.
Thanks Greg! well done
As an Entrepreneur on Fire, I find myself in these patterns – My Mission defines me, my purpose directs me, and when overwhelm creeps in… I increase my prayer, affirmation, Qigong, and proper sleep. Thanks Greg for this very important and timely message! You are Awesome!
Thank you Greg for your post. It takes courage to do what you did. That’s what I should do I guess…
Hey Greg- good to have you back.
I had a nice conference call will someone who has shared the stage with you a number of events. Your name came up as someone I think highly of and adds value to whatever space your in.
You are right on in this article. It doesn’t matter how successful you are in terms of finances. We are not designed to run full throttle, Especially under financial stress.
A good point. My wife and I took bikes out to a State Park this weekend and left phones and all behind. We sat down and were just relaxed. I can’t tell you the last time I did this.
I can’t wait to hear more.
Make a regular habit of it. That’s what I’m doing. I’m getting into stand up paddleboarding as it’s a great combination of quiet, peaceful time and physical exercise.
Well said .. Easy to implement if the revue or personal net worth is strong enough .. And of course a partner and/or employees have to be ok with it too !
Hi Thomas – ultimately if your partners don’t understand or tolerate you taking the time you desire, you have the wrong partner(s). And I would argue that taking time to create space LEADS to accelerated revenue and wealth growth, and shouldn’t be something you take only after achievement. It’s a cause, not an effect in my mind, which is what I’ve become really clear on.
LIKE UR POST…YES IT’S SO TRUE…SOMETIMES WE FORGET ABOUT OURSELVES THAT BY THE TIME WE REALIZE IT, WE ARE SICK OR VERY TIRED OF EVERYTHING….
great post greg, agree with much you wrote, especially the bit about gratitude. relationships are how a truly rich life can be defined , so am glad you were able to find again whats really important in this life,
thanks and blessings to you
simon
sounds like wisdom… you gotta tend to the soul…maybe we need to set up a reboot camp… regularly… take a breather now and then… that’s why i am a professional breather!
Nurture, quiet time, meditation… these all lead to peace, and space for all that does matter in your life to come quietly in. I love that you took that time, and to have that time with your son is priceless. This is truly an essential part of a successful and fulfilling life.
Hello Greg, Good to have you back, rested and fired -up for new life. I know just how it feels.
Hey Greg, good post. Im actually from Ireland and do some pretty interesting stuff. I can be a big affiliate of yours. My email is in the blog post, get in touch with me if you can please
Thank you once again for being a way-shower and a provider of always-timely reminders and nuggets of wisdom that can be applied to many situations. You hit a home run once again!
Great post, Greg! Would love to hear some of the specific steps and questions you found useful. Thanks so much!
Thank you Greg, for sharing these timely thoughts. I’ve been noticing your ‘absence’ from my inbox, now I know, and good for you! Your topic really hits a nerve, as just yesterday I was expressing the deep overwhelm and burnout I’m feeling to the point where I can hardly focus, on a knife edge between carrying on and quitting. It seems I have some thinking to do.
Thank you!
Your comment about clarity for your intentions and true priorities really resonated with me, and I like Karen A. would appreciate hearing the steps you found that helped you achieve this inner peace.
Hi Greg, it’s worth finding out what the compulsion is about. If you are busy does it mean you can feel ok about yourself, is it a way of avoiding an unpleasant feeling? When we know this we can make changes so that we are far happier.
Hi Evan – great questions and thoughts. I do think that remaining really busy often has some underlying issues – avoiding things in your life you don’t want to face, compensating for some kind of belief or habit that you’ve carried forward from the past (such as believing that if you’re not busy, you’re not being productive and you’re being lazy, which of course isn’t true). I think everyone has different drivers and reasons they become so busy, but ultimately there’s usually a reason behind why you do it, and the goal is to figure that out. That’s partly what I did in Ireland, and it makes all the difference in the world for me.
Hey Greg I was in Ireland last year with Philip. That experience changed the direction of my life.
I can’t see anyone coming away from Ireland thinking any different!
If you are feeling “tired and exhausted” is because you are acting from desperation instead of inspiration; you are giving priority to your survival/fear state of mind
over your natural creator hood/joyful spiritual essence.
For a long time now we have sustain a hard
lined definition idea of what this reality is all about. Our
limited perspective has thought us that our destination is somewhere in the future, in the attainment of some kind of goal, accomplishment, in the form of
toys, relationships, position, family, promotions, awards, business, vacations, etc… the educational institutions
and work force of our society are all design for the individual to learn and
aspire to “get to the next step”, and we
have learned that lesson pretty well, just to find out that when we get
there, yes , we do feel some kind of reward for the feeling of
accomplishment and the satisfaction of an effort and a job well done, but most
common… this is inevitable overshadow by the anxiety of our next goal, the
next mountain we are now seeing in front of us, our new wanting and so we get
caught up in this never ending cycle of
wanting, trying, working, struggling and reward, not truly been able to satisfy our most inner
desire…. we then grow old… dragged by our past and blinded by the future; we
are not able to fully appreciate what we have right here and right now. We are unable to find the joy of expressing
who we truly are of fallowing our joy, expressing our passion and experiencing our highest potential in
this life. This third density perspective has kept us running around like a
mouse in one of those never ending wheels; always on the look out to our next
material manifestation but never truly really arriving to any destination… and
that is because we have missed the point
most of our lives: our destiny IS the path, our accomplishment IS THE NOW. Our true destination IS THE PATH we are
constantly walking, our true accomplishment is the full enjoyment and creative
expression in the now. The complete
satisfaction brought about by the constant unwrapping of the present that this
present really is.
I don’t believe it’s as simple or black and white is you’re either acting from desperation or inspiration. You can be inspired but if you don’t stop to take time and space, you’ll become exhausted even if you’re inspired.
This is the FIRST time I experience being connected with you Greg. I’ve gone through many challenges in the last few years myself but it began to change when I went to Ireland with Philip and Kourosh in February of 2011. I will remember that trip for the rest of my life because of the impact and relationship I experienced with Philip. I’m SOOOOO glad you finally went. Your wife and son now have access to a vulnerable, authentic you that will impact their lives in wholly fresh and loving ways.
I deeply appreciate your vulnerability and authenticity in this blog.
I look forward to seeing how the next chapter of Simple Wealth takes shape.
Nan Thibert
Hi Nan – great to hear from you and excited to hear about the big things you’re onto! 🙂
One of the late Steven Covey’s 7 habits: Sharpen the Saw.
You cannot be overwhelmed, you allow yourself to be overwhelmed.
Wow!!! I have been feeling like taking a break. In fact, i felt like i came to a melt down. I just want to stay home and relax. No business, no employees, no blog post, no email, just peace and quiet. yes I agree, we do need space to realize what matters.
I identify with all you have said – happiness comes from the soul. As a distance runner that is what would happen on my 20 mile runs – chat with the pother guys in the pack for the first hour – silence for the last. When we came out of the spell that had descended there were heaps of smiles and contentment. You have reminded me how much I’ve missed those runs. You have inspired me to find another way to my soul. 20 mile runs are not on my agenda these days!!
Hi Greg–
I *had* noticed your absence–and was hoping that was because you were “busy” enjoying more space & time in your life, since you had said that was one of your goals for this year…very lovely to hear how it has been unfolding for you! Would love more on this process–especially your thoughts on how to balance the “doing” with the “being” as I continue to unfold my new business.
As always, I’m grateful for your honesty & integrity.
Jane
Thank you for sharing….this is good information for everyone.
Excellent article, Greg and so relevant to business people today.
Hello Greg, thank you for being honest and genuine:) It really hit home.For the realizations I had, thank you again… What did you add in your life ?? Yoga, meditation or anything else? Did you feel that it may have helped being outdoors?
Admire Your integrity.
Have a wonderful day:)
Carla V.
My new hobby is stand up paddling – I find it a cool combination of peaceful time, gliding across the water, and getting a great physical workout at the same time. Becomes somewhat meditative with the rhythm of the paddling, the sound of the water, and the reflection of the light and quiet. Just love it and that’s one of the things I’m really keying in on as a way to disengage and go inside.
Im a big fan of yours. I was wondering where you were. Great blog Well put
Greg, all I can say is that I am very happy for you and yes, I would like to hear more.
Just reading your post made me feel calmer, more peaceful….your feelings of wellbeing flowing over! Would love to hear more!
It’s fantastic to hear someone so accomplished reveal the importance of, and the need for true “me” time. What an amazing way to spend the summer – I’d love to hear more!
I’ve been doing more of this the last year or so. I have become so much happier and created more clarity….. So I was able to find what I REALLY need to be doing!
GOOD FOR YOU!! I’ve begun to practice less busy ness and more DOWN “important” time. I’ve never been happier and more at peace. Its allowed me the time to think, become focused and find what I wanted to do when I ‘grew up’. LOL
Hi Greg,
I believe I heard you analogize this past March about the “layers of an onion” (and how if we don’t fully deal with an issue it can grow back until the core is completely revealed and dealt with). I remember thinking at the time how the analogy applied to anyone’s personal growth, and how true it was. Glad you’re continuing to peel back the layers and sharing the impact of your journey with us. Love the authenticity of your post and the – dare I say it? – emotional connection you’ve created… again. Lead on!
With appreciation,
Lara
Btw, Ireland with Philip has been on my personal “invest in” list since Engage Today 2011… even more now, after reading your post. As one of the Beatles used to say, I’m off to “write me a swimming pool!” (read: “create something that adds more value for my clients so I can support that trip!”)
Hey Lara – I cannot endorse Philip enough. Truly one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. If you have a chance to Ireland, you NEED to do it. COMMIT now and you will find a way, I promise! Put a deposit down, and you’ll end up finding that route. DECISION is a powerful thing.
Hi Greg, I concur with Lara. Ireland with Philip has been on my list of
things to do since Engage Today and now more so after your post. I have
started an “Ireland Fund” for a retreat with Phillip and will go in the
very near future; THANK YOU so much for the eye opening post.
I
remember living in Nairobi many years ago and during an 8 day mountain
climbing trip, we were each taken to an excluded spot to be by ourselves
for a full day and write out our thoughts. (I was on a Hugh rock over
looking a Lake, much like Lake Louise). I still remember that day like
it was yesterday and whenever I’m in my “Happy Zone” that thought always
crosses my mind.
Greg I have been following you since 2007 and
my life has changed so much for the better. Even though I have retired
from my job, I find myself busier than ever with not enough hours in a
day. I had more time to spare 3 years ago, but some how I lost my way
and even when I go on vacation I am still thinking about my business. I
need to take time to find myself the way I did in Kenya and the way you
did in Ireland. I am so looking forward to your next post and to get on
track once again.
Warm regards,
Creigh
Hi Creigh, thanks for the kind words and congrats for creating so much momentum and success!
Good for you Greg! Losing the world (for a week at least) and gaining your soul is wise living.
So I read this article as: having enough money to do whatever you want, whenever you want, with no pressures, and all the time in the world to listen to your internal inspirations and drives…is a good thing. Noted.
Yeah, I’ll work on that. As soon as I get one of my dead-end side-businesses to make some actual money, so I don’t have to waste yet another year of my life on my even more stressful day-job with no career future anyway, and so i can get some sort of handle on all my health problems from the endless endless stress and lack of sleep, and have the time and money to get the IRS off my back, and figure out how to continue paying my mortgage, and property taxes, on an upside-down house that was a bad rental investment in the first place, and my elderly sick parents, etc. etc etc.
I don’t want to come across as bitter. I’m just really tired, and need help, and that what I thought this whole article was presented as in the marketing email. Although I always appreciate the wisdom you share, you’re just not speaking my language on this one, Greg. Real goals and dreams take money, enough money to live. Otherwise there’s no food in the bowl, no roof over the head, no travels to enjoy, no basic life to be lived. Maslov.
Someday I strive to be where you are where the biggest problem appears to be reminding yourself to just do less. Sounds nice. I’m not mad at ya. In fact, I’d be mad at ya if you were NOT enjoying your life now that you have the means. I’m happy for you as I know you work super hard and earn everything you have and do. I think it’s great that you have the opportunities you do to chill and enjoy life. I have high respect for you, which is rare for me these days with any of the “guru”s. Do it, man! Hopefully I’ll see you at a retreat or something nice one day too.
Dear Synergize,
You don´t have to go to a retreat to help yourself to start feeling better so you can turn your life around. One can start with meditation few minutes at a time and look for some other things, like free self help webinars on the net with master healers that work with energy. The time you invest in it you wouldn´t regret.
I know how much it helps because I am doing it for the past 2 years and it is turning my life around in many different ways. Believe me, I don´t waste time on some silly things, only on things that work.
I wish you the best but the decision is up to you.
Maria, I take part in dozens of seminars by a variety of gurus across numerous practices. I record them and put them in my mp3 player. Sometimes up to 12 hrs per day while doing the day-job, working on my car, washing dishes, or just brushing my teeth (no I don’t brush my teeth 12 hrs per day. You know what i mean.). Thx.
Maria wasn’t saying to listen to the gurus. The point was you need to meditate/disconnect. You can’t do that
while doing the day job” because you’re multi-tasking and causing even more stress. If you have enough time to write out these well-thought out responses, you have the time to sit back in your chair, do slow breathing and get a small respite. I think it would do you much good to practice that once an hour for even a few minutes. I know you’re afraid to do it or that you don’t have time for it, but we all have exactly enough time for everything that is important, and once we live as though we believe that we find its true. Your belief that you don’t have enough time is short-circuiting your ability to find time subconsciously. If you believe your lack of time this deeply, you will be able to live your life that way, creating your own reality based on the thoughts you keep in your mind. Once you break that cycle of belief, you will find you have plenty of time for everything that is truly important. Two good ways to start: (1) Take tiny little breathing/meditation breaks that will allow you to start feeling your time come back to you if you build that habit as mentioned about (2) take a vacation, and you will realize this much more quickly — as Greg was saying this is much easier than the meditation. Good luck!
Maria, you may have achieved the ability to gain disconnect and peace from a few minutes of meditation each day, but that’s not reality for most people that have not mastered meditation. I know that from a long time of trying to implement meditation into my life. Everyone’s different, but my experience is that a prolonged period of disconnect is required because it takes you time to actually get into the disconnect. If nothing else, it forces you to experience the power of it, and become a believer – and then it’s much more likely you can achieve powerful connection with yourself in shorter periods of time. I don’t think any solution is best for everyone, but what matters is finding what does work for you.
Synergize I feel your pain because I was right there a couple of years ago.What I discovered eventually is that life wasn’t stressful and overwhelming my thinking was and this realisation has turned my life around. I actually did Gregs Trusted Authority programme and just assuming the position of authority cut through a whole pile of self doubt and limiting self belief and it has started the ball rolling for noticing where my thinking blocks me and holds me back I have raised my prices by 100% and people feel so support by my new found confidence and clarity that they have no problem paying for the value they are receiving .’when you change the way you look at things the things you look at chage’ I think WAyne Dyer said that and it’s powerful stuff.
So endless deadlines for things that I don’t want to do AT ALL (like corporate taxes, day-job tasks, some business networking functions, etc) that have REAL consequences if I don’t rush to get done on time are somehow not “stressful and overwhelming”? I understand what your’e saying, but in real life when you’re under the gun, it just doesn’t work that way. Sometimes you stay up all night long to getit done. And when life is filled with too many of those, then you get stressed, overwhelmed, and burned out. There’s no way around it. If one is in a position to take time off then fine.
While I feel your pain, the first thing you need to do is accept responsibility for having CREATED all these deadlines yourself. Deadlines are function of decisions and commitments you’ve made in the past that you are now dealing with. It’s no wonder you feel drained and exhausted when you look at your life as a non-stop series of negative deadlines you have to meet.
And contrary to what you said, there IS a way around it. This isn’t about having “enough money to take time off”. You’ve missed the entire point of my post if you think that’s what I was trying to say.
Taking time off is NOT a RESULT of having money and creating the time … taking time off is a CAUSE of getting that money and creating the time! When I look back, I realize that most of the best ideas and thoughts I’ve had that impacted my business were received at times I was NOT engaged in my business.
While I know it’s hard to see when you’re in it, you’ve got the process backwards. You need to take time off so that you can get clarity on what you’re doing right now, because it clearly isn’t working. But I hear that you’re trapped in the mindset that you can’t stop to think because you’re too busy. Therein lies the problem.
I know you’re thinking “easy for him to say”, but I’m sharing what I believe you need to hear. Until you decide to take some time for yourself, you’ll never create the space you need to actually make better decisions and move away from the overwhelm in your life.
Have you not noticed that SO many successful and wealthy people will say that the time they suddenly took off was when they started doing LESS things? There’s a clue in there, and that’s my experience as well.
Good luck as I know it’s not simple, and I hope you don’t dismiss the thought. You’re “this” close to breaking through from where you’re at today – it’s a matter of whether you try to put it into practice or not.
@Greg: I really don’t want to hijack your nice thread here with too much response. Just a few things that i think are beneficial and that I possibly speak for a few others on too (hopefully). I won’t comment further after this:
* Just so you don’t think you miscommunicated anything, I do NOT think your original point was “having enough money to take time off”. If I may paraphrase what I think it was: Life for busy people is filled with habits/routines that if caught up IN for prolonged periods of time, can take that person unknowingly farther away from what they naturally would be better off, happier, and more passionately doing instead. One needs to remember to consciously take real meaningful time off from the business/busyness, and not just brief daily meditation time but actual lengthy breaks/retreats/vacations/etc, to get OUT of the routines and AWAY from the blinding and overwhelming mental/emotional chatter. Only then can the person again
clearly listen to the real pure inner drives/goals, compare them to their busy-life, and determine if his/her life really has gotten maligned overall. If so, determine some STRATEGIES to realign it BEFORE returning IN it again. Once returning, then take real ACTIONS to realign. Is that correct?
* Note, I think that “having enough money to take time off” was MY point though in response to your article.
Although of course a person COULD choose to suffer the consequences, he/she probably shouldn’t take off too much time if the consequences are too strong, like losing their house, job, relationship, etc. And for those that live paycheck-to-paycheck, with second-rate day-jobs, and/or with others very much dependent on them…theseare very real and very serious possibilities. Now, I know you never said to be reckless. I just think that the people who probably need the break the most, are often the ones who can’t without significant negative consequences. (And “get a new job” or similar are often MUCH easier said by others than done.)
* And yes, taking 100% responsibility is key. But I think lots of entrepreneurs are overwhelmed BECAUSE they take 100% responsibility…for EVERYTHING…and thus try to work on and fix EVERYTHING! I know I do. It’s a large part of my “busyness”, which I think is a bit different from the accomplishment-related busyness at in the beginning of your article.
* Also, there are also those that never really find clarity on their true calling after decades of searching, or those that CAN’T for whatever reason (for example, physical/mental/emotional challenges.) Then what? Not so nice to have a life that, in all honesty, is at best just always foggy. Or worse: involuntarily settling for less than he/she really wants, or could have been. No retreat to anywhere fixes or frees some people’s challenges/problems/clarity/ability. Acceptance is easy to talk about, hard to do.
* Nevertheless, I appreciate you taking time for your specific feedback to everyone, including me. Although I still do think its “easy for him to say”, I think we both understand each other better now. It also really is what I need to hear. So, I am printing ten copies of your response and taping one up in each room to read and reread over the next couple weeks. If your next blog post explains HOW to do these things, like find who I really am and how to align my life to that, and how to accept what may be, and what may never be, that’d be helpful.
Much respect, as always. Thanks to you and the other’s comments.
Great response, and very thoughtful. I hear what you’re saying and do agree – it’s a lot easier to talk about this stuff than just do it.
I realize people have realities they have to face. I’m not suggesting that people do a wholesale change of major things in their life, but rather just begin to take some time for themselves.
That doesn’t need to be a week or a month. It can be a single day. Depending on your motivation, I do not accept that there is anyone who could not take at least one day for themselves every month to just get quiet and reflect on their life and what matters most to them.
Anyone who says “he doesn’t know my life” is not hearing me. Everything in life IS a choice, and sometimes those choices are difficult. Some people build boundaries and then assume they’re in stone. They believe they could never take a day off. They don’t ask for a day off because they’re afraid of being fired. But the question is, why live a life with those kinds of boundaries when it comes down to choice?
It takes a TON of courage to stand up for yourself, but the problem is that until you do, you’re not living for yourself.. and by definition, you cannot live for others as a result.
Taking control of the inability to make your own decisions and decide how to spend your time and life starts with the decision that you ARE important, and that are willing to do whatever it takes to move towards what your heart really wants.
For many people, this happens as the result of some kind of trigger or major event – a close friend’s death, the loss of a job, etc.. and I just wish people realized they have the ability to trigger this own awakening in themselves, as opposed to waiting and hoping that it happens TO them instead.
I appreciate it’s not easy, but it’s about taking small steps initially. And anyone can take small steps.
Synergize. I can feel your pain and struggle. I think anyone who has chosen to do something different and difficult (own a business) can have empathy with what you’re saying.
I’d like to take a crack at describing Greg’s blog post and Philip’s work if you don’t mind.
One quick note first – I LOVE the thoughtful and respectful tone of this entire thread. Thanks to you and Greg for elevating the conversation.
So here goes – I’ve been involved in a group mentoring program with Philip Mckernan for the past two years. What Greg experienced over a 7 day stint in Ireland, I’ve been living for the past two years. I can’t begin to explain the change it has made in my life.
Philip has a radically different approach than most. It goes beyond any prescriptive program of personal development, but it can be summed up in the following way:
The answer is within you.
Taking space as Greg has wonderfully written about is a simple method for allowing our internal wisdom to surface. It is an intensely powerful process. It’s also extremely difficult.
It does NOT take money. It does NOT take a high degree of wealth. It “only” takes time. But, the time it takes is NOT as great as you might think.
I live in Edmonton. Here is a example of taking space that would only cost me a couple of dollars.
1) Wake up early on a Sunday morning
2) Pack sandwiches, fruit, and water in a backpack.
3) Pack a journal
4) Leave my house on foot
5) Walk to the river valley
6) Spend the day in the river valley walking, sitting, and writing
This is simple and free. Your business will NOT implode by taking one day to do this. Your marriage will NOT implode.
Greg went to Ireland and got the deluxe version. Not only did he take space, but he was guided through the process by a master facilitator (Philip).
What is incredible is the lengths that people will go to in order to avoid being with themselves. In our mentoring group of 15 people, we’ve all come up with several very clever and plausible reasons why we couldn’t take time and space for ourselves.
Slowly we’ve all eventually done it, and every single person has received huge gifts from doing so.
I’m talking about people literally doubling their income overnight based on one decision that they made while taking space, people ending relationships, people beginning new relationships, people stepping into their core passion.
I am a perfect example. Two years ago, I was professionally lost but harbouring an inner desire to be a writer. This desire was almost completely obscured under layers of ridiculous expectations and low self-belief.
Two years later, and I’m a full time writer.
Saying it like that almost makes the process seem like magic. It’s not. It’s hard work; not hard work in the traditional sense of putting in long hours at the office, but hard work at self-reflection and seeing oneself for who they really are. It’s hard work to be real and vulnerable.
The last two years have been intensely painful, difficult, and challenging; but it’s been the MOST rewarding period of my entire life.
Just to be clear – I DID not have money when I started. I can almost guarantee that your monetary situation now is better than mine was then.
But, I’m getting somewhat off topic. Creating space in my life has been stunningly powerful. I’ve found that at my core I actually know what I want. But when Philip first brought up this concept to our group, I had the same reaction as you.
Personally, I commend Greg for going to Philip’s retreat and then writing about it here. From an external perspective, it seems as though Greg would have no reason to do internal soul searching. He’s got a successful business and a large following. If anything it proves that we all can find a new level of self-awareness.
Most programs of personal growth put the achievement before living life. This is backwards. You live now, and achievement naturally follows (and the definition of achievement changes as well).
I’m not sure if this helps at all. My main message is that there is no HOW to this process, so asking Greg to provide that is an unreasonable expectation.
You just trust that taking space will help, then you do it.. over.. and over again.
My second message is that it does NOT take money to create space, but furthermore, your life will not implode by taking one day to yourself per month.
I could go on and on. Thanks again to you and to Greg.
Sincerely,Zander Robertson
Zander, VERY very well said. I suppose that’s why you’re now a full time successful writer! 🙂 Thanks for adding to the message, as I think this is such an important thing to communicate.
I HATE charging people money for my services. I don’t know why. I think i want to help people save money, not take even more of it from them for me too.
The simple fact is: you have low self-worth, and that creates friction when you think about charging people money for things. Because you believe deep down you can’t produce anything of value that would be worthy of people’s money.
You can argue me on this point, but it won’t change the reality of it. Choose to either take that and think about it, or move onto another blog. I don’t like to engage in debate with anyone who has no basis of expertise or experience in the subject matter.
This is a rare and beautiful post! A wise woman once told me that it matters more that we live in the present than in the past or future. And, Greg, your post sums it up perfectly. As a budding entrepreneur I am constantly “manufacturing success in y mind” and neglect the “happiness of my soul.” Thank you for this great insight and I look forward to your next post with the steps and questions.
That thought is directly from Philip McKernan, and it’s incredibly true!
Great post. I’m a great believer in the universe gives you what you need. Sounds like you needed a ‘time out.’
This year for me, has been a one of learning faith. That most things are outside my control.
I had an enforced last 5 weeks of ‘time out’ too, on what I should do with my life? what’s my plan? How am I going to get there.
Enforced because I was ‘downsized’ at work, haha! been great for my inner game. =)
Love the blog post, Greg! It’s true, if you don’t disengage for even brief periods of time you do burnout. And then life isn’t nearly as much fun or as meaningful. In fact, when we’re tired, we get really stale. Have been feeling this myself this summer. In taking good care of ourselves, we actually take better care of our businesses and clients. Thanks for bringing this subject to light!
So happy to hear that Greg! You’ve been working hard for a long time and we’ve watched it pay off big time for you over the past couple of years. Glad you got to the real pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 🙂
Thanks Alexis – life is fantastic! 🙂 Hope things are great in your world as well.
Yes please do a follow up article
Kudos
HI Greg, am writing this from Dublin. Its a quick message to say I am thrilled that you got some much from visiting our little country. Clare is a beautiful place and without doubt it would inspire. There is a beautiful song called song for Ireland that is wriiten about that area. Here are two youtube links to different versions of it. In the song ‘Blackhead’ refers to the cliffs of Moher. So if you ever want an anchor back to Clare and your time here, play one of these, sit back close your eyes and bring back the pictures, inspiration is sure to follow!!. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRdDnpkR3AQ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz_dHcduUTU.
This is my small way of saying thanks for all your work helping us to develop, so thanks!!! David
We took an “off the path” trip down the cliffs of Moher, and walked the edges through to town. It was pretty incredible.
Good to see you back Greg! Every1 deserves to re-charge the soul battery, in any way they can. Its too important not to. Glad to hear you had an awesome time. Nice 🙂
Hi Greg, I typed such a great response to your Blog – however I lost it all when I tried to Post it ! In short – I am very keen to read your follow-up articles with specific steps and your wise assistance.
Awesome and what an inspiration you are – is all I can say right now! I want to achieve and go to great heights like you…. look forward to reading more. Thanks Greg – and go well. Rene
Anytime I type a good response, I copy it to my clipboard, and paste to Notepad or a Word doc before clicking any buttons on the webpage that might cause me to lose it. That way if it does get lost, i can always copy it again off of Notepad or Word back to the new blank webpage and try posting again, as many times as I need to. Same for long emails. Always save the “draft” a number of times throughout typing it. Hope it helps.
Great suggestion. I never seem to have problems and those that do, it seems like the issue can happen if you’re typing a response and then you switch windows for whatever reason. The best thing to do is when you’re typing a comment or response, before you do ANYTHING like submit it or go to change to another window, hit Control A (or Command A on the Mac), and then Control C (or Command C) to copy the comment into your clipboard. That way if it actually does go away, you can then hit Control V (or Command V) and paste back in what you had written to that point.
Thanks Rene. I may lean on my friend Philip to speak to this subject because he’s so powerful and has mastered this process.
Being unemployed since the recession began in April 2008, I find I have quite alot of time on my hands and no holiday for nearly a year!
Thanks Greg – sounds like you had a great vacation.
Thanks for the reminder to stop and smell the roses. Most entrepreneurs are driven – wwe create our own pressures and you’re right – we must learn to turn off
U inspireert mij, bedankt, m.
“I’ll do a follow up article talking about some of the specific steps and questions that you can use to help focus your mind and really start to create powerful realizations for yourself.” Yes please!! Like many of the others who have posted this has been a stressful year. I “retired” from my day job a year ago and have been working at home doing career counselling over the phone and internet. I have also been presenting career related workshops – so much for “retiring”…LOL I love what I do, but I need to carve more time out of my schedule for me. (Oh yes, and I’m also doing Internet Marketing and public speaking and Toastmasters)
Fran Watson
BRAVO!
I have taken some time out and create some space for reflection to really connect with myself. However, I still do not know what I want to do in life. I have been working just to pay bills but I really want to find within myself something that I am love doing and build a career around it.
Greg, any advice to take a step further to “connect deep enough” within to find the real self and clarity to finally align myself?
Human beings are meant to do what they love. There’s something you’re intended to be doing, it’s just a matter of you starting to pay more attention to your inner voice to figure out what that is. I don’t know that there’s a simple way to guarantee you’ll find it quickly, but some of the things to start paying attention to are things like:
– what do people come to you for advice on?
– what do you find is easy to do that others struggle with?
– when you completely lose track of time .. what are you doing during that time?
– if you were told that you had a terminal disease and you were going to pass in 1 year, what would you NEED to do before you passed away to feel no regrets?
– what would you do for your lifetime for free if money were not an issue?
Those are some engaging questions to start asking yourself in quiet time. You could also get the book The Passion Test. It’s a great book by a couple of dear friends of mine that help you uncover what you really love and what you can start to move towards.
Hi Greg, thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it.
Hi Greg, thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it.
Greg
I have had the EXACT situation happen in my life as well! I think alot of us are shifting into a positive direction. I have had to force myself to take time off and keep myself grounded and focused over the past few months also. My business took on a whole new concept and I had to also learn how to let go of ideas and focus on what the clients are asking for the most! I had to switch gears and step into that direction. It has been scary, overwhelming and very stressful, but I had to follow my intuition. I had to sit quietly and remain true to myself. Now, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel the pressure allowed me to define a more focused and much greater purpose, which i feel is a blessing to be a part of. I am glad to know that others are going through the exact same thing! Namaste Tammeron
I agree each person must care for themself first and foremost to be able to do for others. I have been learning this about myself, and still ‘experimenting’ with how to schedule my time. I work a ‘payroll job’ by day and am working to build my ‘fortune’ off the payroll job.
The ‘fortune’ I’m building is where I’m headed – my dream. Not only will fulfilling my dream provide financial independence for myself and spouse, it will provide blessings to many in wellness, purpose and abundance.
I look forward to seeing more posts about questions to ask and steps to take. They are all different for everyone, but some basics on how you achieved this can help many to find their path to do the same.
Something I use that blesses me abundantly – I have positive affirmations that I speak over myself daily. I wrote qualities that I want in me – and I confess them over myself. It is amazing to see these come to reality!
“Speak things that are not as though they are…”. This has amazing power – the power of thought and belief. One must begin with the belief that “I can…….”.
Thanks for the words of encouragment Greg – I look forward to more posts!
I am in total agreement. I feel that we are experiencing a great shift in consciousness. The actions that worked for me in the past, just stopped working. I was working harder than ever, angry with everyone including myself, but was getting nowhere fast. I had to give up or die (I felt). I let go giving my businesses back to the universe, pledged to do that that came from my heart and not my head. Things began to get better. I was in the way with my thoughts of “if it’s to be it’s up to me”. Please write more on your topic of loving oneself and getting in tune with our inner selves. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thanks Greg. I appreciate you being open and honest with us about your personal journey as an entrepreneur. I can relate!
Hi Greg, your article is on point. As a banker in the very busy city of Lagos where you spend one third of your day in the traffic and most times you feel like you cant think of anything except to get back to your bed and get some rest for the next day. Taking a time off often seem a luxury, but it is a neccesity. Will try to follow your advice to take some time off from my work before the end of the year.
Think I need time to think about myself too.
Thanks so much.
@ Perfect: Just take the helicopter and skip the traffic. *smirk*
Saw this just when I needed it. Have so far managed only a couple of days here and there, but I’ll certainly work on blocking offsoke good time to rediscover myself.
Thanks!
Good post Greg. Glad you have found your centre after the Ireland trip. I go along with what you say that creating space is essential for entrepreneurs. After all we are Human Beings and not Human Doings although we get caught up in doing and doing and feel we are value if we do a ton of stuff and feel guilty if we do nothing. It is in that Being space that intuition or wisdom can surface. Its is nearly impossible for intuition to say its thing when one has a to do list of 100 things. Blocking time out to Just BE has to be one of the best time management strategies going. In fact I would have a “not to do” list along with my to do list.
Your blog says a lot about what I have been telling my wife lately; pack your bag and let’s go just drop all business activity and go. I share your sentiments, and it is a constant reminder for persons like us to be ever mindful of. Good one Greg.
Great article. Thanks for sharing an important concept. Since we are the source of everything in our lives, we do need to take care of ourselves. Rest, exercise, and proper nutrition keep our bodies going, but we also need the space from our normal activities to give ourselves time to put attention on learning about our true selves and our true goals, like you did.
I am as guilty as the next for not giving myself the time to take care of me. If, I’m not doing well, it has repercussions for everyone around me. Thank you for the reminder.
So, so true. Just like most emerging entrepreneurs I was frantically doing so many activities because I thought that is what is needed to quickly get me where I want to be. Thankfully, one day I decided I was too exhausted and irritated to do anything so I opted to veg’ out instead. Don’t have the means (yet) to venture too far from home but watching an entertaining movie on TV and just zoning out that day did wonders and still does. Yes, the guilt feeling about ‘wasting’ time was there and quite strong but I figured if I don’t take care of myself first I’m done! Now, doing a ‘disappearing’ act is not quite as difficult and the clarity and serenity that I gain as a result make me more effective. Thank you for validating what I thought was a senseless act.
Thank you so much for a wonderful article that I can very much relate to of lately!
That was really inspiring and helpful and I have experienced same “pause” in the sens that at some point one is simply not productive enough, energetic enough, enthouziastic enough and that’s the sign you have to stop juggling with all those balls in the air. When experiencing this, is sign that your mind is already in vacation, just move the counsciousness with it along,.. Very helpful and waiting your new insights about burnout and recharge. Can you also share parts or steps of the process you have been part in that led you to recharge? Thanks a lot.
Very well said Greg. I agree with you that it’s often easiest to find clarity when you disengage yourself from your work and remove yourself from your typical routine. I especially find that when I’m traveling and out of my comfort zone I make some of the best decisions for my business and for my life.
Thanks for posting this article.
Well you haven’ t posted my comment have tried several
times
I have not deleted or removed any posts, so perhaps you are not posting it through to completion.
I just finished reading Brendon Burchard’s new book The Charge – and he says what I think you experienced. It is as important to decide what you do NOT want and will NOT do as it is to decide what you do want. Only by putting parameters around your goals will you actually create the life you want. I’m so happy for you that you took the time for yourself and your family and thank you for sharing an important lesson that most of us forget. We can get the life we want AND avoid the life we don’t want with some conscious strategy, decision-making, and time for white space and reflection (and a good coach or mentor!)
I started making lists of “to do” on one side and “not to do” on the other side.
I can relate to the person that is overhwelmed with responsibilities and financial worries. A hard day of labor is easier than a mental day of financial worries. It gets in the way of us thinking we can take time off and clear our heads of these responsibilites and worries. I understand when you say that is exactly what we need to do to get the clarity we need. It seems that since we have so much technology that our minds never stop. I remember my grandparents just stopping at the end of their work day and sitting on the front porch to enjoy the quiet, read a book or visit with friends or relatives or even neighbors. Today, we don’t stop, we don’t have quiet moments, we don’t know how to do that. It doesn’t always take a vacation. Sometimes it just takes a front porch. I have experienced all this, and I have to make myself ‘sit on the porch’ so I can clear my head for direction that solves the things that are pulling me in different directions. It takes a lot of self discipline, but it’s rewarding on many levels in the end.
To Synergize: what you focus on increases.
And – you can’t start finding a way out of your dead-end, self-chosen afflictions until you stop wallowing in them.
Just – stop.
Then – throw away the ‘to do’ lists and pick your ‘greatest problem’ and give it your fullest ‘I’m cracking this and fixing it for the better’ attention. Until you’ve come up with a prototype and an answer you can activate.
Meditation for the frantic. For one timed minute a day – just breathe in and out. And every time your silly puppy mind goes racing off to enjoy its misery – bring it back, just breathe, and keep going until the minute is up. Then increase to five minutes. Every day. Sitting down. Doing nothing else for sixty seconds but breathe. In and out. For you.
Oh. And start counting your blessings. Ten a day. Write them down – you sound like you could use the time to focus your attention.
Shall you?
Hey Greg, Great post and something that I think everyone needs to take a closer look at. It seems that the pace of life increases with every new technology and people get so wrapped up in that, that they forget how relax.
If you haven’t done so already I would suggest you listen to The Highest Level of Enlightenment by Dr David Hawkins. It takes a little time to get the concepts he talks about but it does make a lot of sense.
Paul, I agree that everyone would benefit studiing Dr David Hawkins and work with his scale of counsciousness. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi of Trivedi Foundation is also very interesting. He is in the USA for the past 6 years and several different universities are studying his work and others are already using it in practice. His work is very unique and new and very important for all of us and for the future of this planet.
Love it, and it’s so right in my opinion. More quality, less quantity is one way to read it. Another is, there is a flow. Sometimes, pushing too hard, I am stacking resistance upon itself and trying to succeed in that atmosphere surrounding myself. Stepping back, I sometimes see solutions or other approaches that should have been obvious. Sometimes it’s about timing. Can’t force some things. Sometimes, it’s about expecting external factors and realities to bend to your wishes. If it isn’t the right time for an idea, or if you attach a need to your endeavors (“I have to get rich doing this specific thing so I can do XYZ”) that narrows your options, you miss other solutions. At least that is what I’ve found for myself. This doesn’t always go with the whole vibe of these business discussions, because so much of that is (and necessarily so) about MAKING stuff happen, but sometimes it’s worth taking a step back and looking at a bigger picture. So in this context, refreshing. Thanks, Greg.
Greg, as always, I enjoy your blog. Having expanded my business three fold in the last year and directly link to my soul purpose, I am pleased with the increase in business but feel I oscillate between the elation of doing what I love, and feeling exhausted. Thanks for acknowledging this effect on you!
I’m lucky enough to live in Ireland and to experience ‘time out’ for myself just ten mins from work; it costs nothing for me to walk my dogs after work and forget the days events; but remember taking time out doesn’t mean having to leave your workplace, you just have to add mindfulness to the situation, stop and listen for even 1 minute a day; a lovely simple book I recommend is ‘wherever you go, there you are’ by Jon Kabat Zinn if you’re struggling. When you’re not in a great place; nothing flows properly, everything is a struggle and I know this so so well; but when you find ways just to be yourself (no ego involved), life just starts to work; and when it starts to work, nothing is an effort
Congratulations on your self-realization. This is truly a milestone for any entrepreneur “workaholic”, myself included. Thanks for reminding me that creation and direction comes in the stillness of a quiet mind, distant from the project.
Greg,
This is a wonderful article and reflection on exactly what we all need to do in our lives – whether we are employees or business owners. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that continuous overwhelm and stress without taking time out for me led to a disease called fibromyalgia. I now live in chronic, debilitating pain and extreme fatigue because I didn’t give myself the time outs that my body/mind needed. If I could just address your followers – heed this advice regardless of what cost you think it might be to you in time or money. It’s better to take care of yourself now than to suffer the consequences of living a stress-filled life.
Despite this illness, I still have to work full time for income – but I also decided to get into a network marketing business because I could build residual income that will pay me when I get to the point that I physically can’t work at all anymore. I’ve soaked up as much info as I can from network marketing and business gurus to try to be successful with this as it’s new to me. I chose a business that provides energy service because I didn’t know if I could sell anything or have parties with products. Because of my illness, I am making very slow progress with my business, but I have come to realize that I still have to take time for myself or I will never have the energy or focus to make it successful. For me, it has been a deeper walk with God. I went on a weekend women’s retreat a couple of weeks ago where I was able to spend the weekend bonding with women at my new church and we spent a lot of time looking at how we wanted to be the image-bearer of Christ. This is another good way to gain inner focus for those who are Christian. The shift of focus that weekend, made a huge difference in how I felt about returning to work on Monday! It didn’t have to be a big trip or big vacation – just a 2-day time out.
I hope others will heed your advice and take this time and not suffer my fate. I am now devoting my network marketing business to helping others who suffer from chronic illnesses or other disabilities to get into business for themselves and create a good income in the time that they can actively work. I love having a sense of purpose with who I can help!! I look forward to hearing more on this topic!