February 21, 2008
When You Just Don’t Feel Like It - Three Thoughts
Do you ever have those days where you just don’t feel like doing anything, even though you have a bunch of things that need to get done?
Well today started out that way, but now I’m suddenly very sleepy. I’m actually currently inside a Starbuck’s using the wi-fi, but have this overwhelming urge to shut my eyes.
I have quite a few things on my to do list and a busy non-work day tomorrow, so it won’t be too easy to catch up. I also have to watch Lost and will be hanging out with hubby tonight, so work isn’t getting done tonight.
Looks like I have some important decisions to make, hey? I could just work through this and stay on the computer, but I know what will happen. I’ll start dropping by forums, reading stuff that’s NOT on my to do list and generally - just waste time when instead I could just shut the whole thing down and refresh.
Well, my decision is made: I just don’t feel like it and I’m shutting things down for a while Here’s 3 thoughts on why we should always give ourselves permission to just take some time off. Whether it’s just a couple hours, a whole day or a much-needed BIG break.
1. We’re not productive when we’re tired, burned out or otherwise just not that into our work. In addition to not being productive, we just burn ourselves out even more by insisting that we zombify ourselves in front of these computer screens.
2. Our self-imposed deadlines are rarely as important as we think they are. I don’t know about you, but as a boss to myself…I have been known to be quite a slave driver when I want to be. I say things have to be done at a certain time, but when I really look at it - do they really? Will the sky fall? Will my business come to a stand still? Very unlikely.
3. We can always get someone else to do it. Sure, there are more time-sensitive items that need to be completed in my business, but my assistants take care of those things like customer service and so forth. I am not and refuse to be a slave to this computer.
And with that, I’ll see you later. I’m soooooooooo slee p y .
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Enjoy your nap Alice!
When I “just don’t feel like it” but still need to meet deadlines, I try to pick one single small task and focus on that one thing until done.
Then, maybe take a nap
It’s been that kind of day for me too. I’d blame it on the weather but you’re not here in Missouri with the ice and snow, so it must just be the time of year.
Or could it be that I was inspired last night and actually worked until 3:00am this morning?
Thank you for this. I’ve been sick and got a little behind, I kept trying to decide whether I should push myself or wait until I felt better.
I’m sure there have been many occasions when you’ve been super-productive and worked way longer than you intended. I know that’s been my experience of working for myself. So, whenever I get a day of ‘just not feeling like it’ I try to be kind to myself and ‘give’ myself the time off, it’s a bit like being let out of school early!
Enjoy your snooze!
Agreed, agreed, agreed. Sometimes the very best thing to do IS to just take a day off. I find that some of my most creative periods come just after time off.
‘Sides, you got a good reason to be tired!
Ditto my friend, Ditto. I actually am quite good at this. I know my business will always be there tomorrow after I’ve destressed or slept or just plain taken the day off to have fun! Enjoy that nap.
#2 is a biggie with me. I hear myself often saying, I HAVE to get this done today. OR I HAVE to finish this by the end of the week. Yadda, yadda, yadda …
Oh yeah? Who says so? Besides ME? I AM my OWN BOSS. I CONTROL what is done and when. Yeah, as soon as I can teach myself to really live that way … I’ll be good!
Oh and one more note …
I know I’ve been out of the “loop” a lot lately and sorry if I’m opening a new can of worms (but Carrie started it!).
What exactly is that good reason?
(You of course DON’T have to answer that!)
Aha! Nevermind … I had a feeling. Just received your “laziness” email
Congrats!
And sorry for being so “behind”.
Great list. I often don’t feel like blogging but sometimes you have to. Since blogger.com won’t let me post in advance I usually have to make time.
How true it is!
I’m with you 100% Alice. I thrive on ’siesta lifestyle’ and do best when I can have a great mid-day nap.
If I force myself to work through afternoon drowsiness, I never feel as satisfied with the results and end up having to take extra time to tweak and improve.
So just taking a nap when I feel the need for one is usually just smart time management!