Working at not working.

Sarah and I have fallen into a comfortable routine when it comes to the content direction of this blog. Sarah has been writing more personally and philosophically about business and leadership. I have been writing more about our services and approach to the work. This is not a rule, just how we’ve naturally fallen into step with each other. 

However, I’m taking a page from Sarah’s book this week. 

I threw out my back this week—pretty bad stuff. I can’t lift my arm, moving in any way, even breathing, is a strain, and I am a total wimp when it comes to pain (honestly, who isn’t?), so I am emotionally defeated on top of physical pain. 

I spent a significant amount of time letting my mind spin about my schedule and responsibilities this week. My body needs rest. My mind is not on its A-game. But how can I cancel meetings, leave Sarah to handle what’s not her responsibility, not show up for our clients? I can push through, and I should…or should I? 

The situation got me thinking about why I started a business with Sarah in the first place. Beyond the business principles and values that we’ve discussed here before, including building a business around our superpowers and passions, transparency, collaboration, and creativity, starting a business has profound, personal benefits to me. 

I started a business because I don’t always buy into the status quo when it comes to what it looks like to work hard and be committed to work. It’s important to me to have flexibility and variety in my day, be creative and productive when these things flow, be present and active with my dog, keep up with hobbies, and take time away from work when whatever the work is just isn’t working. 

Over the years, I’ve been part of many teams and companies who talk about maintaining work-life balance or protecting mental health at work. Still, to be honest, I have never seen this be an actual lived experience of employees. I think it’s far too common to demonstrate that we’re always “on,” checking in during vacations, working through pain or brain fog. Owning my own business is an opportunity for me to constantly challenge this status quo about work and productivity and what it means to be a balanced human.

This week, I had to decide to shut it all down, to ice my back, rest, and wallow in self-pity until I felt better. The result of this decision? I am more effective at getting through my to-do list now that I’m in a better headspace, clients didn’t scream in panic, and Sarah is still taking my phone calls. 

Now, back to work living.