I was watching an interview with Randy Bachman on The Hour. George commented that Bachman is really busy. He asked how does Bachman handle doing so many things. Bachman replied, “I love to work at nothin’ all day.” (from the song by Bachman Turner Overdrive)
Bachman then clarified what he meant. As a musician his mind is going 24 hours a day. He’s always thinking, observing, taking stuff in, creating. Even when he’s sitting under a tree playing guitar, he’s working.
It’s similar for many small business owners. Even when we’re not sitting at our desks, we’re always thinking, planning, looking for the next idea. In our “spare” time we’re reading business books, talking to people, observing how other businesses work. The line between work and play becomes blurred.
And when you truly love what you do, this is a wonderful thing, getting to focus on your passion.
But sometimes it’s not so wonderful. No matter how much you love your work, love your business, you still need some time away to recharge yourself.
And for me, in spite of the fact that often I’ll be at my computer at 4 or 5 a.m., and it’s not unusual to see me finishing up that last item on my laptop while I watch the Jays start the 1st inning at 7 p.m., I’m still stuck in a 9 to 5 mindset. I feel like I need to be at my desk during regular business hours.
However, I am learning that when I hit the wall, when I start to get burnt out, it’s okay for me to take some time during the middle of the day to recharge. It might be going for a walk, heading to the gym, sitting on my deck reading a trashy novel. It doesn’t really matter what it is I’m doing. It’s okay – no, it’s essential – that I take care of myself when I need it.
And no matter how far removed I am from my business, it’s often when I step away from my business and focus on something completely different that my best ideas and insights come.
So here’s to workin’ at nothin’ all day.
Andrea J. Stenberg
