Another article by Geoff on My Paper today, titled "Don't be a slave to the daily grind". What I liked about this writing is the down-to-earth tone of stating the little things in life that tend to be grossed over or trivalised. And the fact that he walks the talk, i.e. whatever he mentioned about living life, he puts it into practice.
if you allow me, i typed this out. enjoy the reading:
My Paper, 10 Oct 2008 Friday pA6
bTW on Work-Life balance
Don't be a slave to the daily grind - Geoff Tan
A friend of mine, who returned recently from Hong Kong, told me that she was so caught up with work and day-to-day stuff that she never had the chance to visit Ocean Park. Before she knew it, two years had passed her by. The only things she could show for the job posting was the experience acquired and an elevation in professional standing.
I wonder how many of us are like her.
Some of us pour our hearts and souls into our jobs, often at the expense of our families, friends, hobbies, leisure activities and health. Twelve- to 14-hour days are common for many of my peers working in banks, advertising agencies, audit firms and consultancies, as well as those running their own businesses.
When I tell my friends that my day comprises more than the work, they often look at me with disbelief. I met one of my neighbours in the lift last week, and to strike up a conversation I asked her how her day was. In a rather tired voice,she replied cursorily: "Just finished work."
It was 10.30pm and I had just played two hours of tennis with a colleague. Prior to that, I had dinner with my family, but not before I caught a couple of beers with a few friends after work.
On other nights, I may be occupied with my other hobbies. So, I felf a bit sorry for my neighbour. We need to make time to recharge, amid our busy work schedules, especially during weekends.
I made a commitment many years ago that I would wake up diligently at 5.30am every Saturd morning, so that I can at the golf club bright and early to play a game with my dad and his two brothers, who are all well into their 70s. We end the morning with a communal breakfast. I value this weekly family encounter very much.
I have always been an advocate of a healthy work-life balance. Too much of a good thing, be it work or leisure, is never good.
Life is too short to be a slave to the daily grind.
With respect to living life to the fullest, allow me to leave you with a few suggestions, Firstly, try interacting with people outside your circle - your neighbours, the waitress in the restaurant or the security guard at your condo. Positive interactions help boost our mood and temperament.
Secondly, be thankful for the things that go right each day. And if you happen to get stuck in the jam on the way to work, look at it positively as a time for personal reflection. Thirdly, pursue your passions.
Finally, some of us need to learn how to forgive ourselves. All of us make mistakes, so instead of playing these less-than-positive encounters over and over in our minds, it's best to learn from them and move on.
The trick is to focus on living a fulfilling life right now, rather than harping on the past.
The lengendary actor James Dean once said:" Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today."
How utterly profound.
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this is great stuff from Geoff.
So, seriously we need to reconsider how we live our lives, or at least for me, i am attempting to go beyond work. tough very often, but well, I am gonna bring guagua to Sentosa for some sun, sand and underwater world tomolo....besides the fact that I have presentation slides to prep, parts of reports to manage, 2 major essays to write, trying to meet the 60-page journal..OMG... haha
oh, betta remember to collect NB Real Run race kit which takes place next Sun.
gonna run tomolo b4 Sentosa.
live life, live dreams
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