live simply

I am struggling with the balance between living up to my potential and sustaining a simple lifestyle. On the one hand I believe that, “to whom much is given, much is required.” On the other, I believe in a healthy, low(er)-stress lifestyle. I guess the key is to set realistic goals, do the best I can to reach them, and leave time to enjoy the journey.

With the goal of creating a French style boudoir. Normally I would just pay to have someone else do it. It seemed to make my wife happy that I was willing to do this project with her.

Instead of . . .
*Driving I walked.
*Working on a strategy for launching a new program . . . Helped my wife with her computer class assignments.
*Responding to business correspondence . . . we had our passport photos taken.
*Going to the office for a couple of hours . . . went to church.
*Writing a business letter . . . gave my wife a neck and shoulder massage.
*Sending out work orders. . . caught up on some reading.

I should definitely do this again :)

When I was younger, I found it difficult to just “enjoy the ride”. I would pass cars on the freeway and then my kids would want to stop at a rest area. Great! Now all of those same cars are passing me by!
I have overcome that irrational way of thinking, but now I see I may be doing the same thing in business. I have built one of the most successful business in the industry, passing by all of the competitors. I have been successful. . . by the standard of our culture.
After reading some of the other “live simply” entries, I think its time to be less concerned about “success” and more concerned about health, friendships, and family. There will aways be more than enough work to do.
First step: Take one day off per week, starting tomorrow.

This is going to require some serious reflection. What does it really mean? Are there competing ambitions which need to be reconsidered?
A reduction of stress would be a measure of success.