After much anticipation, my wife and daughter finally got their new kitten, Stanley.  Watching this ball of energy chase its tail reminded me of a recent article in The Harvard Business Review called “Crazy Busy: The New Status Symbol.”

In summary, Americans don’t respect leisure time.

In the old world order, leisure was a status symbol.  Today, according to research shared in the article a lack of leisure time causes “one to be held in high regard.” To me, this is backwards.  Poor organization, lack of delegation, not being surrounded by a top notch team, and/or not leveraging technology are common causes of a crazy busy life.

Michael Gerber, author of the eMyth, states “work should give life, not take it.” I agree.  Every year, we take an extended spring break.  When working, I have two standing days a week that I work from home allowing me to enjoy little things like lunch with my wife or talking with my kids while doing a school drop off or pick up.

There are times where I have “crunch time.” But whether for me or those who work with me, if crunch time is all the time, it loses its meaning.

Work smart!

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