The old saying of “live to eat or eat to live”, attempts to temper our appetites. I contend we exchange the word “eat” for “work” to see where the American culture heads when it comes to work.
Pundits spew ideas about work-life-balance. I contend there is no balance, just choices. This idea relates to the work-a-holism that overtakes many—It is a national addiction!
After interacting with hundreds of people in my seminars and coaching practice, I find many people take pride in never taking a break. They wear their accumulated vacation days as a badge of honor.
I was mystified and had to research why. Based on my anecdotal “evidence”, here is what I think is going on:
1. People are afraid to stop long enough for a break because they will lose momentum and not want to return!
2. People are afraid of being replaced.
3. Someone will notice how well things are rolling without them, so they could be laid off.
4. Addiction to the process.
5. Wrapped an identity around their position.
6. It gives them personal power they may not have in their personal lives.
7. Think about those who eat lunch at their desks!
8. A need to be in perpetual motion so they don’t have to think about how things really are.
9. People leave, but are always checking in. This send a terrible message to team members that you don’t trust them or you are the only one with the answers. Parents often do this too.
10. Bloated sense of self-importance.
I once had someone say he was afraid to stop because he wasn’t sure he could resume his pace because he really did not enjoy his work.
The issue with all of the above is they are fear-based responses.
Instead of celebrating how well one has organized a project or department so that it functions while one is on vacation, the “nay sayers” remain on “watch.”
Simple Antidotes
· Laugh more . Watch funny movies.
An easy break can be simply leaving the scene for a lunch hour.
· A change of scenery does wonders for energy boosts. Get out in nature.
· Gazing at a photo or painting that reminds you of a happy time.
· When we can take a week or two, see it as reward for a job well done. Once our perspective is clear, the departure is much easier.
· Use the “absence makes the heart grow fonder” approach. Give your team time to miss you and appreciate what you bring to the team.
· Read something you have always wanted to instead of going to a movie.
When you give the company back your vacation days, that refund undermines the powerful benefit vacation can bring to your life. Consider why many companies have sabbaticals for extended periods of time after 10 years of service, for example. Research shows that performance is boosted upon return. The brain is clear and a fresh outlook can bring one’s work into sharper focus.
If you have a family, vacation days are precious links to reconnect with the family routine. It is a time to participate in the “little things” that mean the most.
Embrace the opportunities to share yourself with others. Provide quiet time for your self-reflection.
Reward is in the choosing. It is up to you. Make the choice to enjoy your reward. You’ve earned it!
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