Okay, did that headline make you chuckle? Well, it does me --- every time. I’ve been a crafter all my life. My husband calls it my “artsy-fartsy alter ego”. There is something so very satisfying in creating an object that is either useful or beautiful.
And more important -- my artsy-fartsy side was an important balancing tool in my life.
In the past, I’ve talked about balance in the executive’s life (2-17-10 Balance). Specifically, I talked about taking time away from work and using up the vacation that you’ve already earned. Today, I thought that I would explore a different kind of balance.
During the business day, the executive is a hard-core business person. You wouldn’t have made it to the executive ranks if you weren’t. But, when you go home at night, you have to find the balance that lets you recharge for the next day. For me, that is crafting. I can lose myself in the creative process…. Making jewelry, crocheting an afghan, painting a picture…. All evening long. I realized that it used a different part of my brain and my emotions to come up with the creative outlet. And by doing that, I was giving all of the “business” side of me a rest.
How did I know it was important? Because if I stayed away from my craft table for too many evenings or weekends, I started to be a pretty grumpy Gus. I just felt out of whack.
And no, I don’t mean that you have to go out an discover your artsy-fartsy side. Although that is fine, if it works for you. What I’m suggesting is that you discover what activities allow you to disconnect from the business world and recharge. It might be sports. It might be community service. It might be writing. It might be reading. It might be people-watching. It might be surfing the web. Heck, it might even be channel-surfing on the tv.
Whatever you discover it to be, make time for that activity in your life. Balance ultimately makes you a better executive.
Cheers!
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