on being a workaholic & still having a life...

Yes, I consider myself a "workaholic". Before you judge me, listen to my reasons... I love my job (and I mean I L♥♥♥VE it!!!). It's usually the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I dream of before bed. I've even designed dresses in my sleep (but, who hasn't?). After several years of long hours and sacrifices I still can't get enough. The experience of working at my goals is more fulfilling than the end result. I don't imagine retiring when I'm older, I imagine having more time to work, paint, sew and create. Design is what I love. 

That said, one of the questions I hear often is, "How do you balance work and personal life?" or "How do you stay so productive?". The answer is a balanced lifestyle. Over the years I've learned (sometimes the hard way) what my personal boundaries are. Every person is different and needs a special sense of balance.

I've learned that I can work long hours without breaking down if I have things to look forward to. I schedule date nights, weekend trips and shopping dates with my sister after harsh deadlines. This give and take method works really well for me. For example, right now I am working long hours everyday on some e-courses that will launch soon. I'm planning to take a day or two off next week to play around with wedding DIY projects as a reward! Don't be afraid to give yourself incentives for a job well done. 

The second important lesson I've learned to keep myself cheerful (and sane) when working a LOT is steady sleep. I used to be really proud of my all night work sessions, but I was drained. These days I sleep eight hours every night and I've never been happier. I get more done when I'm awake and, most importantly, I feel human! If you're a young entrepreneur, give yourself some sanity and go to sleep. Just trust me....♥

The last piece of advice I have to offer is all about attitude. It's easy to get overwhelmed and feel victimized by a crazy schedule. I have to choose to remind myself daily that I chose this career (and all that it entails!) and that I have to be thankful that we are really really busy. Complaining and getting discouraged is easy. The challenge is keeping a positive perspective about what needs to be done. Maintaining an optimistic and enthusiastic energy for my business is one of the most important contributors to our continual growth. I think of my heroes in design and I imagine them being full of fresh energy and inspiration daily. This kind of attitude propels us forward, and the absence of it can be pretty devastating. We're all human and we all have difficult times, but I feel very strongly that staying inspired and positive about my work is my responsibility. No one else can do it for me. 

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that while my lifestyle may never be "normal" it's working really well because I've found a way to work a ton while still enjoying life to the fullest! I feel like my career adds so much to my life and it's something I will never regret making sacrifices for, even if I am labeled a "workaholic". 

Have a wonderful Wednesday... elsie

Comments

[Sarah Jane]

Beautifully written... thank you :]

[Christina]

Thanks for writing this up...right now I dream of making the switch from the office world to that of a full time crafter and have been so uninsipred lately b/c the end result seems so far away. I just need to suck it up and stay in my studio longer in the evenings and reward myself with free time after I mark off one of my goals! You are the bees knees...

[Julie]

Elsie, just the post I needed to read right now! Thanks!

[Jenn]

I whole-heartedly agree and work the same way. I too get comments from people about what they perceive my work-a-holic lifestyle to be. It's hard to explain that I want it that way and I feel so blessed to have so many opportunities. Plus, I sleep 8-9 hours a night.

[Stephanie May*]

Thanks so much for this post - you have no idea how much I needed to hear it today! My husband was just telling me last night that I need to get more sleep, and I slept almost 10 hours last night:) Yay:)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/fibbie

[Libby]

Having parents that run their own business, I've seen first hand that, despite tax returns, grumpy customers and so.much.work, it's worth it all because every day you're doing what you love. When, like with Red Velvet, you see real people every day, that can also be a sanity preserver.

[Stacie]

Thanks for writing this. It is often encouraging to read about how successful people stay balanced! I too am a workaholic, but in a different way (day job, kiddo, my own handmade business on the side) and I am going to try this whole rewards system as a way to stay energized!

[Sarah]

The give and take method is how I get by too, all I need is some special time with the people I love to look forward to and I can get through anything!

Thanks for sharing this, it was truly inspiring and well articulated. I get it! :)

[cb]

great post and so so helpful and honest! i totally am a workaholic and i am okay with it because the extra things i do that define me as a workaholic make me happy! without them then i wouldn't be who i am. i love goals and setting them and find that i love the process of getting to that goal rather then actually achieving it...to me it is all about the journey!

xo,
cb

[victoria hughes]

thank you so much for this! my passions are very similar to yours and it is so refreshing to have someone to look up to. i'm about graduate college and (i hate to say it) but i am starting to get nervous on how i am going to balance everything i want to do. this definitely helped me learn a little bit more about what i want.

peace. love. create.

[{leah}]

Well said! Lovely words, Elsie!

[Maria]

The timing couldn't be better!

I am a translator/crafter living with my boyfriend. Sometimes it can be really hard to make all things work in a balanced way.

Thank you so much for sharing this. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[chelsea]

I think I really needed to hear this today. My schedule is insane and no one else gets it--it's nice to hear from someone who is going through it and also being super successful. it's inspiring :)

[Mandy @ Miss Indie]

Fantastic post, Els. Thank you for sharing. I love reading your advice and life experience, it's really inspiring. I completely agree with keeping a positive attitude. It's amazing how positivity can change a bad situation into a good one!
Thank you so much for keeping me inspired and motivated! XO.

[Bethany]

Thanks for this post. These are great tips that everyone can benefit from.

[Julie Goodrow]

Thank you, I needed these reminders today! I think you are right, its so important to stay positive and to take personal responsibility of that positivity!

[Jaime]

Thanks so much for writing this! I remember back when you wrote about all your sleepless nights, and I was always wondering... "How in the world will I ever be able to do that? Not sleeping is such a huge sacrifice. I don't think I can do this dream if those are the kinds of sacrifices I will have to make daily." Thanks so much for easing my mind! : )

[Sarah]

Great advice! Sleep is so important - I work late nights sometimes, but when I start creating crap I know it's time to go to sleep. I use a reward system too - if I finish this design tonight I get tomorrow night off. Always good incentive :)

[Daisy]

Thank you for your inspiring attitude. Your blog is such a refreshing visual & read and I think that your workaholic attitude has paid off for you and your business. I admire your work hard play hard ethic. It has to be a balance and it sounds like you've mastered them both. :)Love your blog!!!! xoxoxoxo

[Jessica Lauton]

Thanks for weiting this, Elsie. I'm a teacher of teenagers and this work can be quite tiring sometimes. But despite that, your writing reminds me of why I chose this profession and compensation to teach something to someone. Thank for reminds me.
hugs