"Your ability to generate power is directly proportional to your ability to relax." ~David Allen
Recently I read the book Getting Things Done by David Allen, which has dramatically impacted my work so that I can spend more time enjoying with my family. Well, maybe not actually more time, but I'm better able to enjoy my time with them instead of thinking and stressing about all of the things I need to get done.
Anyone who knows me (or likely any other school administrator, or probably teachers for that matter) know that I am not good at relaxing. I am the type of person that cannot just sit on the couch and watch my tv. Even if my favorite show is on (if you're curious, it's The Big Bang Theory), I will have things ready to do during the commercials.
Well, this week I tried something new. There is no summer school in session for the entire week and there's no one, but the custodians at school...a perfect time to hide in the office and catch up on work, right? That's what I've done every summer during those quiet times, but not this summer. Nope, thanks to GTD (Getting Things Done) I've been becoming more efficient with my work and I took ALL of this week off.
What have I done this week? Basically nothing.
OK, I'm exaggerating, even with no work, I still can't do nothing, but I have enjoyed time with my family--swimming, playing outside, enjoying the lake on our new boat (well, actually it was more like roasting in the heat wave on the boat), beating the heat inside with movies and monopoly and spending some lazy time reading.
So, why am I sharing this with you? Well, for one, to make sure that you all realize that it is important to find time to relax. David Allen's quote, "Your ability to generate power is directly proportional to your ability to relax." has become very important to me. My other reason for this post is, because it helps fulfill my 2nd post of the week for the 2012 Summer Blog Challenge and my brain is not ready for any deep thinking yet!
I'm the same way ( Im a huge workaholic!) so I definitely need to read David Allen's book - thanks for sharing!! I also multitask like you do whenever I watch TV - have a stack of things to do...I also love the Big Bang Theory too!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your summer! :)
Amen! Relaxation is vital. I believe in the idea of working hard, then resting hard. I am doing the blogging challenge, too. I look forward to reading your deep thoughts!
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great book. I've added it to my list. :-) How's that for relaxing? hahaha
I love the quote you shared from the book, "Your ability to generate power is directly proportional to your ability to relax." That is very powerful, indeed!
I look forward to reading more of your posts this summer. I always enjoy reading what you are up to and what you are thinking about.
:-)
Tia
My first response... I CAN'T RELAX! There are too many things to read (like this blog), write (like my blog), and learn!! But.. Yesterday we went for a bike ride and the geocaching, and last night we watched "Everybody Loves Raymond," & then "X Men!" So... I guess I'm relaxing a bit. Is that enough?
ReplyDeleteSo much to do... So little time!
Thanks for the reminder post!
-@JoyKirr
Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAs a first year principal [to be], I'm trying to find the right balance of how much time to spend acclimating to my new office/school and how much time to spend simply embracing summer and preparing for the storm!
Thanks again for your thoughts!
Ryan
@mrmalany