If you were looking for me over the last few days I was likely in my car. I went to visit Eric at school, in Vermont, for parent’s weekend. If you’ve never been to Vermont, you should know that it is everything you’ve heard. Tiny town, red barns, mountains, fresh air, and at this time of year, snow. Last week they got over 20 inches of snow. By the time I arrived, it had compacted and started to melt so it wasn’t quite as deep.
I got to meet a few of Eric’s friends, meet with his advisor, eat out, and the best part… Eric and I went star gazing. We drove up to the top of a mountain, found a parking lot, got out of the car, and just looked up. Seeing stars, without all the light pollution is breathtakingly beautiful and very humbling. You realize just how tiny we are in this immense universe. Eric is also involved in a weekly radio show with a few of his friends. I got to watch part of their broadcast before I left. Here’s a picture of Eric “on-air”. Clearly, he’s having fun.
It’s OK to Have Fun in Your Business
If there is one thing I believe it’s that you should be having fun, and if you’re not, you need to do something different. Many business owners I speak with tell me that they go into business for freedom and flexibility. They want to live life on their own terms. They want to have fun. Then they find themselves working harder than they ever worked in their life. They end up taking time away from their family and friends. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be, and it’s not the way it has to be.
So, if you’re not having fun it’s time for you to find another way. I suggest you make three lists.
- What do you do regularly that you don’t enjoy?
- What do you do regularly that you do enjoy?
- What do you want to do that you aren’t doing?
For the things on the first list you made, stop doing them, or if they must get done, delegate them. For the things on the second list, do more of it. And for the things on your third list, start doing some of those things.
I know it sounds simplistic, but the reality is it is your life and your business, and you get to decide.
What are you taking off your to-do list? What are you going to make sure you start doing? Let me know by sharing below.
Great blog post! I know I’m guilty of getting overly engrossed in my business and forgetting to enjoy life! I have gotten in the habit of NOT getting on my laptop in the evenings unless I absolutely have to. Love the three questions – we should all be asking ourselves those on a regular basis. Thank you, Carrie, for sharing.
Your business needs to support your life & not the other way around. Keep putting your life first!
Hi Carrie,
I always enjoy you blog. I am sending you love and hugs from Copenhagen, where I am presently visiting family. I will see you soon in Orlando.
Gitte
Hi Gitte – I was in Copenhagen MANY years ago, what a wonderful city and I know you well enough to be certain that you’re having fun there. Thank you for being you.
Carrie