Rest, Relaxation, and Renewal

by Judith Harper

Blogger Sonia Simone made a great observation in her Remarkable Communication blog:

Scheduled maintenance is critical for any complex piece of equipment that’s working at or close to its maximum productivity. And the fix-it-up chappie will tell you that delicate equipment is a lot easier and cheaper to maintain than it is to repair. .  . You, my friend, are a high-maintenance machine. You’re the complicated invention that can’t be replaced. Your work relies on your energy, your creativity, and your enthusiasm. And you can only fake those things on a very limited basis. Starbucks is a crappy substitute for creativity and life force.

Check out Sonia’s good advice about scheduling personal maintenance by setting aside time to do something "pointless and highly satisfying" just because you like it. It may sound strange to speak of "pointless" activities as part of a strategic plan for professional development, but the notion is worth thinking about. Neglecting personal maintenance can be deadly to creativity, energy, and enthusiasm.

Rest, relaxation, and renewal–make them part of your schedule.