When Was The Last Time You Had Fun? Tips For Workaholic Leaders
By Heidi Sadecky, MA,PCC – Executive Coach & Director, Townsend Leadership Program
Recently, during one of my workshops, I asked an executive, “What do you do for fun?”. He looked at me, looked down and then said, “It’s been so long since I’ve done something fun, I have no idea what I would do.” My heart sank. It was obvious he was worn out mentally and emotionally exhausted.
I personally struggle with workaholism and so do a number of my clients. What about you? Do you ever catch yourself saying:
“It’s late Friday afternoon and I have to get this report done before I stop working.”
“It’s 6 pm, I can’t log off, I still have 3 tasks to check off my list.”
“I’ll just work on this over the weekend.”
The truth is, many highly functioning leaders struggle with workaholism and a lack of joy and fun in their lives. If you can relate, I have five ideas:
· Give yourself permission to stop working, have some fun and rest.
Many high achievers feel guilty if they aren’t working all the time. Many times, it’s the critical judge in our head that says things like, “If you take time for yourself, you are lazy.” “You’re not good enough so you have to work extra hard to keep up.” Or “If you need a break, you must be getting old/sick.”
· Work from rest.
That sounds backwards…We often hear the term rest from work. Yet, studies show the opposite is also true. Regular play and rest help us jump back into work with more energy, clarity and productivity.
· What delights you?
Think about the people, places, activities and behaviors that delight you. What are some things you’ve enjoyed in the past or what are some things you’ve always wanted to try and you haven’t gotten around to it yet. Brainstorm these and make a list. Experiment with these and discover what is best for your soul.
· Regularly calendar it.
It may seem silly to calendar play and rest yet, I’ve found that if I don’t make it a priority and put it in my calendar every week, the fun gets squeezed out. And that’s no fun!
· Boundary it.
Your play and rest are a high priority and your responsibility. Kindly let people know that you aren’t available at certain times during the week with the phrases, “That doesn’t work for me.” or ”This is what I can do with the time I have.”
If you want to do yourself, employees, peers and your family a big favor, be a role model for taking a well deserved break, having some fun, getting some rest then jumping back in with vigor. You’ll see your performance change, your team change and your organizational culture change.
Heidi Sadecky is a highly-trained executive coach with over 30 years of combined corporate and coaching experience. She helps her clients operate at a higher level, overcome workplace challenges and achieve measurable results.
She is an in-demand facilitator of the only Townsend Leadership Program, a unique and highly effective group coaching program located in the North East United States.
In-person, virtual and hybrid leadership groups are now forming.