Want Success? Get a Boat!
"Being on a boat that's moving through the water, it's so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what's important and what's not."
_James Taylor
Ok... I will be the first to admit that this post title can be misconstrued in several ways because boat ownership is indeed an expensive habit. But, don't hate me for it because I do have a point. There is a correlation between owning a boat and success in life and business.
I am as guilty as anyone. I tend to live and breathe my work. However, luckily my work takes me on journeys and explorations often so I do get to be out in the world a lot. I've had spells where I took personal time owning toys like a 30 foot sailboat, several motorcycles, etc... Today I don't have any toys other than a pool to clean... more on that in another post. However after a recent adventure with some close friends on their Cigarette boat featured in the film connected to this post it got me thinking. When I had my boat, motorcycles, etc... I was just as financially secure as I am without them. Instead of taking off a Wednesday afternoon, or long weekend, and catching a sunset on the water with friends I tend to work through them now. I don't miss the payment, but somehow I made it regardless, and don't feel any less pressure without it. Seems we always have just enough, but very little extra no matter what we have or don't have. So, to this point...
Have you ever noticed how much play time, some successful people seem to have? Is it that they make so much money that they can just stop work on a Tuesday afternoon and go off boating?
While that may be the case for the top percent of the economic chain, I've found that play time is a part of success in life and business. While you can work your entire life away in the office, your efforts will be futile. If the saying "you are what you think about" is true, then the more you work, and think about work, the more work you'll have to do. Here are some thoughts, and ideas, to help convince you that leaving the office will help you be more productive.
Ideas come from living the dream...
Stop reading this blog, or surfing the internet, or looking at Facebook posts because you aren't going to find fresh ideas sitting at the computer. Original ideas come from getting out into the world and enjoying yourself. I know far too many people who waste their days away looking at a screen surfing the net instead of being productive.
Surround yourself with idea people...
This is obvious, but on the boat ride coinciding with this post, myself and my buddies came up with several quality ideas for products just being on the water. When you interact with other business, and creative minded people, ideas flow like water whether you take them to fruition or not. Ideas are not hard to come by when you are playing with friends.
Getting outside makes you feel better...
We all know that we feel happier when we spend time outside. And, there is proof, Harvard Health says that "light tends elevate people's mood, and helps them relax." You need optimism to succeed, so spending time outdoors helps you to smile and see the world in a positive light.
Be True To Yourself...
"To me, business isn't about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders. It's about being true to yourself, your ideas and focusing on the essentials."
_Richard Branson
Richard Branson always seems to have a way with words, and the above quote can be taken many ways. But, part of staying true to yourself is to follow your heart and to live the life you are dreaming of.
Retire or Die...
Saving for retirement is extremely important. But, let's not forget that you may up and die tomorrow from a heart attack if you continue sitting at a computer with a stack of donuts and coffee at your side before you get there. Get out of the office and enjoy life while you're still here, and the chances are you will still have enough to save, and live the dream.
Do you feel it's important to get out of the office? Join in the conversation on what helps your optimism, and fills you with ideas?
