I can’t even begin to tell you how many people I have worked with who are slowly burning themselves out at work because they think somewhere its written that they’re supposed to.
I kid you not!
I know of people who are sticking around the office after 5:00 not because there’s important stuff to do but because they think it just looks better to still be in the office.
I know of others who continue working through the weekend because they think it looks bad if they let it go until Monday.
How about those people who are on their phones and email at their kids soccer game or . . .
The dude/dudette with a chronic case of “I gotta take this call” during meals and conversations. That’s a bunch of crap; you don’t have to do anything. Let it go to voicemail unless it’s the school nurse or something.
And if you really want to see how pathetic things have become . . . go to a public restroom and see how many people are taking calls while taking a . . . well you get the picture.
I know we all have to kick ass . . . that’s what we do!
I know we all have to do what we need to do but . . .
This is the kind of sh*t that heart attacks are made of.
It just isn’t worth it!
You and I need to slow down and in order to do so . . .
Need clearly established “out of bounds markers” like . . .
When you will and when you won’t take calls
Is there a “hard stop” time each day when you shift from conquering the world of business to conquering the world at home?
Will you allow technology to pull up a chair at your table or a stall in the bathroom? If the answer is yes, hang your head because you should be ashamed of yourself!
Pardon me for a little repetition but . . .
Someday we will all cross a finish line.
Perhaps we’ll be lucky enough to have a few million in each hand but . . .
If the people who are dearest to us are no longer in our lives and . . .
We lost out on some awesome memories (think “Cat’s In The Cradle”)
Then I believe we’ve actually FAILED and if by chance you think that you can get to this business of living your life SOMEDAY then just keep in mind that you might not be on that 85 or 90 year plan that you thought you had.
Now get out of here and stop trying to be a hero 
I help sales reps, sales leaders and business owners sell more! To learn how, click HERE. For my speaking availability and rates, please send me an email paul@yoursalesplaybook.com
This is spot on!
Thank you Howard!
Cheers!
Well said, Paul. Balance is critical to success and living a healthy life! Working hard is important and there are sometimes sacrifices with that, but it is essential to draw a line between work and personal life…and honor it. Some folks will use the excuse that they are doing all the extra work “for my family”.
The sad reality is that there are millions of broken or hurting families across America which had well-intentioned folks that were working too hard at the office and not hard enough on meaningful family time. I know from personal experience that it’s easy to feel trapped on the ol’ hamster wheel at times, but we all make choices around our standard of living and that is a big part of what drives the work and money pressure.
As a wise man once said, “If you want different results, you have to do things differently.” As Paul indicated, nobody knows how much time they have, so now is the best time to assess your situation and take corrective action if needed. Be blessed.
Well said Jordan!
Thank you!
Excellent post Paul. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank YOU Chris!
You raise an interesting point Paul. I’d ask you a question on your observation – is it the under performers or the guns doing this? Given sales is a results game, my mantra has always been “success buys freedom”.
I wholeheartedly agree with you that staying back to “look good” is not good for the person or the company. Sales guns look after their time wisely. 80 hour a week people might shine for a while but burn out and leave before long. Turnover of staff is a BIG cost.