A simple phrase but one that’s really rung true for me. Right now I’m working around 80-90 hours a week off getting my training center, Athletic Lab, off the ground. So far things are going well and we’re meeting early revenue predictions even if the revenue isn’t coming from the exact places we expected. My days now start at 7 to be training or doing administrative work by 8. Training adult fitness and then the elite group takes me up until noon. Then I have the luxury of an hour and a half to 2 hour lunch break when I can go home, see the fam, and take a short nap. Then back to Athletic Lab for more training, emails and phone calls that typically don’t stop until 7. On Wednesday’s they go all the way until 10 PM because of a late night pole vault session. Somewhere in that mix I try to throw in a couple mini-workouts (I do own a gym…no excuse to be out of shape!). I try to not do any work between 7 and 10 PM but then after that I’m back at it handling correspondence trained athletes, managing marketing / social media strategy, placing inventory orders, shipping customs, answering emails, etc until 2 or 3 AM. I train people both Saturday and Sunday morning and also spend much of the weekend doing the ongoing improvements to Athletic Lab that my OCD brain requires to stay sane. By most counts that would be an excessively long work week but I love it. I get to spend more time with my family than I have in the past 3 years because I see them for lunch, they’re often in at Athletic Lab with me during the day and although I work on weekends now I have a lot more flexibility and control over my time and there’s a lot more to do in the Triangle than the last couple places we’ve lived. Also, knowing that you’re working for something you truly love to do makes the work a lot less like work and a lot more like play. Have you found that thing you love to do?
4 comments
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October 6, 2009
This is something I’m working towards, but haven’t quite found the right path. I’m torn between the perceived security of the full-time job and the unknown security of striking out on my own. Reading about your passion for what you do and how it is changing your life helps keep me focused on seeking that path. Thanks for the post!
October 6, 2009
Wow, you keep a rigorous schedule. But it’s great you love what you do!
October 6, 2009
You definitely need to hold your breath while you dive in head first because it can be a little scary but you just need to trust and believe in what you’re doing. If your not happy with what you’re doing now and don’t see any relief in the foreseeable future, make a plan and then pursue what you WANT to do.
October 15, 2009
Hi Mike. Great post! Not sure where you get the energy but more power to you!
Hey, I wanted to pass along a story I think you might get something out of. It’s of Danny and how he had a job where he made good money but just wasn’t happy. He quit to follow his dream to play music full-time and now couldn’t be happier.
I hope you find it as inspirational as I do. Check out his video at the link below and if you like it give him your vote.
http://www.ahamoment.com/vote/danny