William “Bud” Hart, of Haverhill, shares “Success Principles”—ideas for living a greater, better and more accomplished life, and building habits that stick. He also coaches clients to incorporate strategies for boosting their mental and physical performance during everyday living.
The other day I was having a conversation with my wife. We were discussing our summer plans and some unanticipated additional business work that just popped up. The challenge we’re experiencing is figuring out how to organize both so we are able to enjoy more summertime together and have fun. As we finished our conversation and I was heading out to get to work, she asked me, “Is everything alright with you?”
Her question didn’t surprise me. I said, “Of course, I’m fine and everything’s great.” But she was being perceptive about the unexpected additional work and the added emailing, texting, calling, meetings, driving, running around, still being able to write articles (like this which I enjoy doing in my spare time) and the desire to find quality time for us to enjoy summer.
I’ve always been a firm believer that when you can do what you love and make a living doing it you will truly enjoy life and be happy and successful. I tell my kids (whenever I can squeeze it into a conversation about their work life) that they should find something they’re passionate about and then figure out how they can make a living doing it. I’ve always felt that way about work. That’s what makes it both meaningful and fun.
Here is the truth. The time spent working during these summer months can present a challenge or advantage, it’s how you look at it.
I can choose to enjoy the benefit of added income and take great enjoyment in the leisure hours I have (and there will be many), or I can dislike and complain about having added work and what I do and be utterly miserable every day. It’s a choice.
Short story writer Henry Charles Bukowski said, “Some moments are nice, some are nicer, some are even worth writing about.”
Joy, it’s a simple word, a very natural emotion, a choice for all of us and what we get when we en-joy life. As I told my wife, “Of course, I’m fine and everything’s great,” because another truth is, when I enjoy, celebrate and treasure moments (summertime and all year round) I’m sure that everyone around me will as well.
William “Bud” Hart is a certified “Mindset” Coach, Accountability Partner and Business Consultant. Founder of Hart Group, www.hartgroupma.com.