Comments on: Two 60s

By: Sam Parker

Sam Parker — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:24:23 +0000

I believe it’s about both, Worker.

What if we were more concerned with contribution than anything else? Imagine if we gave a little more quality for little more quantity (time) than is required of us. How many more people could each of us help every day if we lost ourselves in service?

It makes me think about the starfish parable… “It makes a difference to this one.”

Starfish parable bottom line… Thousands of starfish beached. Kid is throwing them back in the water one by one. Older guy walks up and asks what he’s doing. Kid says he’s saving the starfish. Older guy points out the kid can’t possibly make a difference with so many starfish being beached. Kid says, “It makes a difference to this one.” It’s unclear who came up with the idea.

By: Worker

Worker — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:31:16 +0000

Not about the quantity of hours, but about the quality of work, and what you do with the hours you have: What if people had only 5 hours of work to do the same amount of work they do in 8 hours. I bet they would get it done still. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/06/cheating-the-clock.html

By: Sam Parker

Sam Parker — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:31:46 +0000

I think we need to revise the “work to live not live to work” sentiment. It sets a tone that misses the service piece of life.

I think we need to work placing our focus on contribution.

We need to contribute our verse to the world, hoping we get the opportunity to make it a better place for others and ourselves while we’re here and then for those who come after us. Along the way, hopefully that effort will help us earn enough to enjoy some wonderful life experiences and give to those who are less fortunate.

It doesn’t have the rhythmn of the “work to live” line but it keeps me revved up.

By: Mark Rothrock

Mark Rothrock — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:21:24 +0000

This article reminds me of a poster I saw once: It showed a man up to his butt in water surrounded by alligators! The caption read “Sometimes when you are up to your Ass in Alligators it is hard to remember your objective was to drain the Swamp!
I couldn’t agree more with the comments from Roger Braswell. During my Corporate years at a Large Yellow Box photographic Company in Upstate NY, we would go through many rounds of “down sizing” and cost cutting only to find that the “lucky” ones who still had a job were now going to have to work harder to make up for the workers being laid off. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the many years I spent at that company and the lessons it taught me. However, let us not forget a simple truth.
I work so I can live, I do not Live so I can work!
Thank you for a great website! The information you provide daily is an inspriration to us all! Keep up the Good Work!

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:28:00 +0000

I once read in a book for partners of alcholics: “You’ll suffer for a day, a week, a month or even a year what you would never suffer for a lifetime”. It has always stuck with me.

If there is a purpose and and end in sight, you can do the extra hours, go that little bit harder and with more focus, however something has to give eventually.

When I think back to my younger years, where I worked a 40+ hour week, and played 4 nights a week in a band + rehearsal, I was able to push out 80+ hours (without the aid of amphetamines and still function, becuase I was working in two totally different roles.

I am noticing now, some years later, jumping between sales during money time and technical after hours, diminishing returns on the extra time spent. (It may also have somethng to do with my age too

We are still in catch up mode after a brutal start to last year, however the end is in sight and the effort is payng off. I just hope the “cost” is worth it.

Thanks for the effort you go to each day. You’ve made me think and reminded me of the why in what I am doing here.

Cheers

By: Matt Reyes

Matt Reyes — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:36:07 +0000

Great article! Thanks for posting it Sam!

By: Maurice Dixon

Maurice Dixon — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:16:28 +0000

Several years ago when our Son was starting in the work-world, his Corp. because thingswere slow required everyone to take some time off. ( Sounds like today).
I suggested to him( and he took my advice) that he not take the time off. Just keep working and contribute those days to help his Corp.
His boss asked him when he was going to take his time off and he explained that he wasn’t going to. It was a lesson learned for every one.
I just read that the wage and hour laws would not allow that type of thing to happen today???

By: Roger Braswell

Roger Braswell — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:50:47 +0000

Great article Sam. The work-life balance is something we all struggle with at times. There are so many gray areas for most of us that it would be hard to draw a line between things that directly affect our job and things that don’t. Things like networking and attending association events come to mind. It’s something I have challenges with.
When people ask me the typical question about staying busy, I have to jokingly clarify that I’m always busy but how productive remains to be seen. I’d love to know how you actually kept track of your time. My days seem to end up being spent fighting brush fires despite my best laid plans.
Keep up the good work!