Comparmentalization

Since I got laid off from Texas Instruments I’ve managed to stay extremely busy without hardly trying. However, I’m finding that I am heading back to the same rut where I work all the time and I don’t allow time to take care of myself.

I like to make excuses for my behavior because I have to work. There isn’t anyone paying me at a 9-5 job with a cushy desk and office, nope, I’m working for myself and my boss is a little bit manic when it comes to getting the job done and done right.

So this is how I operate: I get up and I start working and I don’t stop until the end of the day. I eat fast food and take the occasional break, but for the most part, even when I am watching my favorite shows I am working on a website or updating a blog link or my Facebook status or my Twitter Feed.

I get lonely and instead of obsessing about that, I work. I keep myself busy, I compartmentalize. I schedule time to pay my bills and to work on things that I don’t find appealing. I allow myself to fully focus on what is important because at least if I am making money and my bills are getting paid then that is an accomplishment in and of itself.

What I have learned from all of this is that if you want to be the best, you cannot stop working. There isn’t a time to coast or to let off the gas. Instead you have to always be thinking ahead, playing the game, learning, teaching, building, creating and if you are lucky you get to squeeze in some time for life and fun along the way.

In the end though, I think it is worth it. I’m enjoying being self-employed and at least now the only person I can blame for my happiness, busy-ness or stress is me.