At this stage of the college basketball season – after 61 games in the NCAA Men’s college basketball tournament, I’m always happy. I’m happy because every year I’ve seen some great hoops. This year was no exception. (How about those hometown Butler Bulldogs!) At the same time each year I feel like I feel today.
Bloated.
It is the same feeling many of us get after Thanksgiving dinner. We love every morsel of the turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, the rolls, desserts . . . you get the idea. We are happy, but. . .
Stuffed.
After that meal I know I need to get back to reality – back to eating sensibly and doing the things from a diet and exercise perspective that will maintain my weight and health – and to eat in the proper perspective (and portions).
That is what basketball does for me this time of year. It skews my perspective, it imbalances my time. I don’t regret watching the games – it is one of my hobbies (and when my Boilermakers are playing, trust me I am doing NOTHING else). But at this bloated time I am keenly aware that the games have moved my focus and taken time away from more important things in the long term. Like reading, studying and time with my family.
Now I am reminded I need to get back on track with the things that will really make a difference in my personal and professional life.
….
Perhaps basketball isn’t your thing. Perhaps you get out of sorts by overbalancing on a new fiction series, or your schedule doesn’t get back in place very quickly after a vacation. As you have read my confessions, my guess is you have determined your corollary.
Recognition puts us half way there.
Here is what I am doing this week.
- Watching less TV.
- Banning ESPN from my computer. 🙂
- Committing to catching up to the current reading stack.
- Getting on the bike.
- Spending more time with my wife and kids.
- Reading at least two books.
Like your reasons, your list might be different. I am urging you to make your list, then take action on it.
Your future success depends on you getting back to the habits and routines that work best for you. It is time to get back on track.
There are not enough hours in the day! I try to focus on my reading stack, giving 100% at the office, developing myself spritually…and by the middle of the evening, Im exhausted! You list looks longer than mine…how can this be sustainable?
Kevin.
Good reminders here and some helpful to-do items that I am including in my own “staying on track” list.
I also appreciate the optimism you demonstrate in your post. This is important because the times you mention where one can feel or become “bloated” are actually GREAT times! Thanksgiving, March Madness, etc are wonderful parts of a healthy rhythm of life. Of course, as you mention, we can’t stay there…but we shouldn’t feel guilty for them either. I think this is important as people work to maintain personal discipline and live in healthy ways. I want to celebrate, even look forward to, these unique and special times that upset the routine (even a dynamic, personal growth routine) because they are the spice of life.
Once again, thanks for getting me thinking this morning!
Important stuff, Kevin. I think it was Emerson who said “People do not need to be taught so much as reminded” -or something like that. Wouldn’t it be ideal for us, as individuals and leaders, to make an appointment with ourselves for periodic reflection and then to take action as needed?! Thanks for your continuing inspiration. -RS
Definitely, that’s what we need and not often recognize it.
Nice article.
So who is your favorite author on leadership. You are one of the younger voices in your field. I’ve been around the leadership/team-training/inspiration scene for the last 20 years and am always interested to see who is who in this field. Hadn’t seen your name until this week.
Nice post – good reminders!
KjS