Find That Something that Drives You!

In today’s go-go-go lifestyle it seems like everyone is running around trying to keep their head above water.  Lately, (and it kills me) I’ve had a few back-and-forth emails with friends trying to schedule a time to catch up, only to find out that the earliest we can meet is weeks away. The key to maintaining a full and active life is not to give things up, but to balance it all.

You don’t want to look back on your life 50 years from now and realize that your great success has cost you your life.  Making time for friends and family is very important.  Making time for you is also very important.

For instance, I make it a point to make time for myself through my running, and my most recent hobby; photography.  Even if it’s only thirty minutes here and there, it’s important.  Through my love of photography I read and draw inspiration from Chase Jarvis.  Chase is a professional photographer out in Seattle and maintains an excellent blog.  (http://www.chasejarvis.com)

Recently I watched an excellent video on his blog called, “Laura’s Story.” It’s a great video that reminded me that you’ve got to make time for the things in life that you’re passionate about. Thanks Chase!

What are you passionate about?

Making Time…

Time, Talent, Treasure.  When you first start out in life you have endless amounts of time.  Slowly, you acquire talent through schooling, working on the job, reading, etc. with the end result being treasure.  However, it seems that one can have a very hard time obtaining an abundance of all three T’s.  If you have a lot of treasure you most likely a lot of talent, but will you have the time to enjoy your treasure?

Time seems to be the one common factor we all have the same amount of it - I realize there are many factors that can come into play, but in most cases time puts us all at a level playing field.

In Boston and in today’s world, everyone seems to be extraordinarily busy.  You’re a go getter! It’s a good thing and there’s no shame in running around making things happen and furthering your career.  However, it’s important to make time for the people and things that are important in your life at the same time.  (You don’t want to look back on your life 20 years from now and realize most of your friends are gone and you haven’t done that beloved hobby or sport in years.) Simply put, leading a successful active life is about balance.

So how do you do it? Here are a few of my thoughts and tips.  I’d love to hear from you though. How do you do it?

• Technology: If you don’t already have one, and you can afford it, make the investment in a mobile device that supports email.  (I recommend Blackberry, or iPhone.) At first it may seem like you’re tied to work, but this little device might allow you to go skiing or golfing and stay connected at the same time.  I personally, have taken a few business calls while I’m running through my iPhone’s ear plugs with a built in microphone.
• Keep a Calendar: The key here is to keep a calendar that you have with you all the time.  When you scheduling meetings it can be hard to remember all that you have going on.  It’s easier to have everything right in front of you so you can schedule a meeting while being confident that the odds of having to reschedule are slim.
• Lists: To Do Lists are incredible.  In my opinion they’ll allow you to stay on task and goal oriented.  It’s also a great feeling when you cross something off your list.
• Combine Your Worlds: There is no law that you have to separate your business life from your social life.  In fact, sometimes the best business is done with friends.  Don’t hesitate to invite a wide group of your friends out with you when you go out. Over lap all your social circles and you’ll not only see your friends connect with each other, you’ll also see your own network grow.  (Read the book, “Never Eat Alone.” by Keith Ferrazzi for more info. on this.)
• Take the Time To Stay In Touch: It only takes a few minutes to send a quick thoughtful email or facebook message to someone special in your life.  The last thing you want to let happen is for your work to get a stranglehold on your life. Take the time to let the important people in your life know they are appreciated.  For people you aren’t as close with schedule a time in your calendar to call them.

(*Hint to making this all work: There is a lot going on in today’s world and there’s a lot to remember, but no one said you have to remember it all on your own in your head.  Write things down, keep lists, and a calendar and you’ll find it’s much easier.*)

Make time for your family, friends, and loved ones - your job will be there waiting for you; work will always be there, your family, friends, and loved ones may not.  Make the most of your time with them.

Cheers and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hiking and my new hobby!

So I’ve said it before, living an active lifestyle is not about playing as many sports as you can. It’s not about going to the gym every single day. It’s not about going to the bars every single night. Living an active lifestyle is about balance. Balance is king if you are to have a happy successful active life.

Welcome to 2009! What resolutions have you made? Think of all the things that you want to do and simply haven’t made time for them. Today is the day to accomplish all these goals. Make a plan on how you’ll fit these activities into your life. I admit that I have been a person to have insane goals and a relative little amount of time to get everything done. This year I’m making time for two things I’ve been wanting to do much more of!

Hiking and photography have been two things I’ve wanted to do much more of. This holiday season I was inspired to make that a reality when I received a Canon SLR for Christmas! Since, I’ve been waking up early on the weekends and headed out to some excellent parks around the city to take some of my photography. This coming weekend I’m headed to Acapulco for a little R&R and I plan on shooting the entire time.

You’ve heard the expression, “Everything in moderation.” This is true of living a successful active lifestyle. You can’t let one thing consume you. You’ve got to do it all in moderation and cut out the activities in your life that aren’t helping you accomplish your goals.

What are your goals in 2009?