Balance can ruin a career, and it can save a career.
I heard a story about Walt Disney’s wife, secretary and even his physician, all saying, “Walt, you need to get a hobby or you’ll work yourself into an early grave.”
Having the distraction of a hobby can actually make you sharper, more focused, more creative, more observant.
And if your hobby not only fuels your passion, but also teaches you more than you could have ever imagined, imagine that!
People who study Walt Disney’s life know that he was labeled by many as crazy. And that he insisted on nothing short of perfection. Always aim for perfection he’d say, and settle for excellence.
This is how life works. We face countless challenges. People may call us crazy, demanding.
They may also call us passionate, purposeful, visionary.
A real, work life saver.
Jeff,
Finding that balance, though, between following your goals (or just being a workaholic for some) and having a hobby can be hard, especially if you weren’t brought up thinking that way. I know I wasn’t. It is hard, and you can feel guilty for not giving your 100% to the goal.
But I try…and have boys that remind me (a la “The Shining”) that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” 🙂
Bob
Bob, not only is it hard to find “balance”, but I’d go as far to say that it’s nearly impossible.
The other challenging aspect is that there is no single way to achieve it.
Nor do you arrive and are “in balance” for the rest of your life.
It’s a moving target. It’s elusive. It comes and goes. It’s like snowflakes too – no two are the same.
Striving for it and having some feeling that your life isn’t completely out of control, is very healthy, and very hard.
PS. Never saw The Shining.
You’re not going to build a model train in your backyard, are you?
That’d be crazy.
Well, not a model train…..
You could call it The Cherylwood Atlantic!
lol
Building something.
Maybe an oasis. 🙂