Making A Difference

Some mornings I wake up feeling low and wonder: why do I do this? The worry, the constant need to stay ahead, the relationships that need time, attention and care - it feels simply exhausting and I wonder if there is really any benefit for me in all this… Ever had a morning like that? I get them occasionally, and each time I ask myself the question: Why? Why do I this instead of anything else I could be doing? My why is important to me, and it is not about money. If it was only about money, I promise there are a lot better ways to get rich than teaching Alexander Technique. That has to be at the bottom of the list of "Effective ways to make a million dollars"! Someone I don't even know commented on Facebook recently: "Jeremy is only interested in money so…" or some words to that effect. I know it's not true, I know that is not what motivates me. But I will doubt my Self if my why is not crystal clear to me. It's not about money: it's about making a difference. In fact, I have just invested my life's savings in starting a new studio in Los Angeles. The seed time to build a BodyChance business is long, while the infrastructure to accommodate it is expensive, so for many years I won't earn a dime from any of it. All I will do is spend my life's savings. If I was only interested in money, I am on a fool's errand. But it is not a fool's errand. It is an attempt to make the world a better place. I am here to make my life worth living, to leave my world a better place than the one I found. Two Things that Are Essential To Your Business Well-Being Are you getting enough rest? [NOTE: This second half of my blog is a paid area describing practical ways to implement what has been described above in a Facebook group with 47 other teachers and students. You can join anytime to be part of their discussions.]

Time off needs to be scheduled. When you run your own business, there is constant demand on your time. Businesses don't really "turn off" but sometimes the people who run them need to. Rest is not a luxury, rest is part of the plan. Even the great monasteries of Tibet, where learning was practiced from before dawn to long after sunset - they have a day off. When you notice you are feeling depressed, anxious and unable to focus on anything for very long, a simple observation is: when did I last chill out? As we welcome our Self into the holiday season, make a commitment to it as strong as your business. Put the phone on mute, set up an auto-message in email - at the very least stop checking email and Facebook 4 times a day - and "schedule" a day in the bush, or an out-of-town visit to friends, or just a narcissistic day designed only for YOU. While you are on that holiday - ask why? Why do I do this? The power of why has been elucidated beautifully by Simon Sinek in this Ted Talk presentation: "How great leaders inspire action." It will inspire into wanting to get your why very clear… [ted id=848] As an exercise, take time to express your why to the group. We can inspire each other to keep going whenever the energy to do so is ebbing. Have your Why ready for those mornings when you wake up wondering: "Why do I do this?" Then keep it close to you all day, like a precious friend. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATCSProMembers/