Working to Live or Living to Work
What gets you up every morning? Think about it.
It is so easy to get caught up in the daily grind. Getting up, going to work, going to gym, getting ready for the next day, and you’re already behind on your 8 hrs of sleep. Suddenly, you’re rudely awakened by your alarm and yesterday repeats. You dread Mondays and you’re praying for the weekends and they come, one after another, after another. Then speedily, a year goes by. As 2016 comes to an end, I thought it would be great to reflect on the past year and move forward to a new 2017.
I recently finished a novel called “The Golden Son” by Shilpi Somaya GIwda, which was an absolute pager turner. The novel engulfed the reader in a story about a guy growing up in India in a small village, beating the odds and going to university, moving to the United States and becoming a doctor. Most importantly, there were a few overarching themes that caught my attention, which I think we can all take value in thinking about as we ring in the new year.
1) Working to live or living to work
Neither of these are wrong; one is not better than the other. But the most important thing is figuring out which one you value and gain energy and excitement from. Working to live in the case of the book gave an example of a doctor working 9-5, taking weekends, living off of a reasonable wage and having time to spend with his family. The living to work, was the doctor that absolutely loved and thrived from her job, and spent every chance she could working because she knew it was her calling. Where do you fit? When it comes to start-ups, I think at least at the outset you need to put in the time to get your idea off the ground, and if you enjoy this create that culture at your company. If it’s the former, likely not the mainstream of most start-ups, but I am sure it would work if you tried. This could mean even having one-day per week blocked off for “other things” or “family.” One Founder once told me you can’t really ever turn off thinking about your start-up, but you can put it aside for a day and rejuvenate, which will likely help you.
Find your passion, figure out a plan, and make it work.
2) Fitting into 2 worlds
The main character, Anil, in this book struggled between fitting into his home in India and his new home in America. It didn’t seem to get any better as he grew older, for he began to equally miss and look forward to going back to his home in India and to his home in America. You may have recently moved along with your start-up to a start-up hub like Silicon Valley. You might feel out of place or are on unknown territory. Enjoy it! Eventually, you will find your way and figure out how to manage this new environment. You will find your place there as much as you did at home.
3) You don’t have to be superwoman or superman
As we look to achieve more and look to the new year with high expectations, that doesn’t mean doing absolutely everything. Sometimes, its actually better to focus on just a few things. Set a few goals, and go after them as hard as you can. If your goal is to, for example, sell your product to 100 customers by May, do everything in your power to do that. You don’t have to sell to 100 customers, work 2 jobs, write 5 tests, and run 5 marathons. Keep your goals realistic and to a minimum. Remember, you can always adjust them along the way.
4) Take a few educated risks
Sometimes you just have nothing to lose. Remember, you can usually go back in some form to what you are currently doing. You’ve probably built a skillset that you are now comfortable in. Then, really, there is no reason to jump out of your comfort zone a little. For the character in the book, that meant moving to America. In this case, you don’t have to move half-way across the world, but may be cold call a few advisers or quit your job and really get to the heart of your start-up if you think you are at that point. Remember, your home is always there.
5) Lace up those dusty running shoes
For the main character, Anil, he began to use running as a way to relieve stress and keep a balance. Consider running as your energy booster and a well-deserved break after working on your start-up for hours.
For me, one of my 2016 New Year’s Resolutions was to read more. I sometimes felt that I should be reading about the news or reading a textbook, otherwise I wasn’t being productive. I would say I have gained an unbelievable amount from the many books I’ve read this year. Find other people that like to read, and may be start by asking them for a book suggestion. Usually, others give pretty good recommendations. Check-out the book-list in my blog too! You never know what you will learn and what will inspire you. This most recent book has provided a number of things to think about. If you’ve had that start-up idea in your head, now is as good as any other time to start. Or, even cook the turkey or ham for the holiday season—no pressure. There is no reason why you should wait! Perfection is not necessary, throw-out any feelings of embarrassment and get out there and get feedback. You’ll be happy you did. And just don’t stop.
Have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! Please feel free to comment to add to this list and consider picking up a new novel. Please free to contact me.
