Many business owners are driven individuals. We set goals and do everything within our power to achieve them. Our focus is so intently on some distant point, that we miss out on the present. We seldom take time to live in the moment.
When I was a child, auto fuel was so much cheaper than it is now that my Dad frequently took us for long Sunday drives. The car windows were down and the air was cool. This was a time when there was limited air conditioning so we went outside to cool off. And it was a time when few people complained of allergies. Back then fresh air was not something to avoid.
Where did we go on those long Sunday drives? We would ride a few miles outside our urban area to scenic farmland or we would cross the Cumberland River on a ferry or we would visit relatives. The destination changed, but we kids always enjoyed the journey.
How can you enjoy this journey that you're on now when you're bombarded with critical deadlines, can't-miss appointments, and urgent requests for information? Try to remember why you went into business in the first place. Everything about running the business is not big, whoopee fun, but some of it must be satisfying. Savor those things that you enjoy. When you do them, put your attention on what you're doing.
Do you enjoy your interaction with employees? If so, then enjoy your conversations. When they talk to you, really listen. Don't think about the next thing on your list.
Do you enjoy providing a service to your customers? If so, pay attention to what you're doing the next time you are with a customer. Don't just rush through the service. Enjoy what you're doing.
The journey may be long and the path may get rough, but the destination is not your only reward. The journey is a reward, too. What do you like about your work? How can you get more enjoyment out of your daily routine?
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