The Importance Of Leisure In Leadership
Years ago I came across a helpful insight in a book called, “The Healthy CEO.” The subtitle says, “Taking the lead in your physical, relational and financial wellness.” Even at that time I had decided that my health (especially physical) is one area that had been neglected over the years and that it need to receive extra attention.
As a side note, and as a compliment to my wife, one area where I scored fairly high in the self-evaluation included in the book, was quality of nutrition. I really appreciate the earnest effort she puts in to feeding our family well.
Capacity for leisure
In the self-evaluation there is also a section on a person’s “capacity for leisure.” According to the author this is simply “how often you take downtime and the quality of that downtime.”
He goes on to say, “Every day involves some mental problem solving, physical work and personal engagement. To be efficient and effective in meeting these demands – and to derive pleasure from them – you need to replenish your reserves by intentionally and regularly creating an environment where these demands and stimuli are set aside temporarily.”
To be the leader in my family, my business, and my community; it is crucial that I regularly and intentionally have some quality downtime.
For some of you that is not a problem. For those of us who are driven and for whom work always comes before fun it can be a big problem. It’s a problem because, as I’m sure you have found, there’s ALWAYS more work that could be done.
I am thankful that I have had a yearly opportunity to get away from some of the normal “demands and stimuli” and simply enjoy some downtime with the most important thing in my world – my family.
Some questions to consider
• How can you get some good, quality downtime?
• How can you intentionally get those batteries recharged?
• How can you be consistent?
Your family, your business and your community depend upon it.
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