Some of you noticed that, last week, I missed the MM. I had a few people comment, which actually pleased me as it shows that it is being read and expected by some.
The reason I missed last week was because I had such a great weekend and was spoilt rotten by my children (and wife) on Father’s day, which left me short of time to write an MM. I was extremely busy on the Monday so couldn’t even spare a moment to craft a message and decided not to put myself under pressure.
I have to admit, it felt strange to not write the MM and I felt a bit guilty for not finding time, because normally, the only time I don’t write it is when there is a Bank holiday, Christmas or when I’m on holiday.
But…I “let it go” and, funnily enough, the world did not fall apart, life carried on and no-one got hurt because if it.
I wonder how many of us hold on to things for no real reason and put ourselves under undue pressure because of the standards we set ourselves. My Daughter recently started work in a recruitment company and she told me how everyone goes in early and stays late. I questioned why, asked about relative productivity and achievements in those ‘extended hours’ and she just said “That’s what they have always done”
I know, for a fact, that working longer hours does not always equate to increased productivity and, sometimes, can do exactly the opposite. Efficiencies can be lost, meetings can drag on, the lack of respect for personal time can become a serious issue, then the cracks start to appear.
Sickness creeps up, staff turnover increases, disciplinaries build momentum and morale takes a nose dive and, eventually the business fails, or at best, limps along for a while.
Most of us have experienced a high pressure environment, either at home or at work, but we all know that it is not sustainable and we need to have some down time in order to replenish our energy. In sport, all athletes build for a performance and then rest and recuperate immediately after the event. In business we expect people to perform at high levels every day, work long hours and produce results and targets set for them.
It’s no wonder people are suffering with mental health issues!
Tips for remaining in top form:
- Learn to say no (In an appropriate manner)
- Be okay to let some things ‘slide’
- Delegate more and trust others
- Challenge people and process – “We’ve always done it this way”
- Spot the early signs – in yourself and others
- Take action
I’m all for working to get something done, doing longer hours now and then but I also need a life and I’m sure you all do too.