I once read a bit of advice for entrepreneurs like me who had to balance a traditional job with their small business. It went something like this.
Approach your 9-5 job with passion like it's the most exciting thing in the world. Fake it if you have to. (This doesn't mean be inauthentic, but there's great power in just constantly being the energy you want to create for your dream.) I think the idea is that if we display effusive gratitude and enthusiasm, it can't help but spill over into every aspect of our lives. It's an essential mindset for successful and prosperous people.
I don't always practice this perfectly. I get caught up in my fatigue, frustration, and focusing on what I don't want. The fatigue is real...I'm not going to deny it and it disturbs me to think of what I am doing to my body when I don't sleep. The idea is not to ignore it altogether, but not to focus on it either. The more I practice this, the better I become. When I start my IBM days with something, anything that amps my energy (which usually for me means, some sort of creative writing, knitting, or playing my piano), everything and everyone else in my life benefits.
No doubt about it, the double work life is a challenge. I'm always looking for techniques and stories other people in similar situations use. Could be good fodder for that book that seems to be writing itself.
I haven't done so well at any of this in the past few weeks; in fact the past month is a mulligan (a do-over), but I get to start over today. Now, THAT really gets me going far better than any amount of caffeine.
Good morning.
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