I admit, I'm not a big fan of the cold weather (why I ever lived further north is beyond me!). I like summer, I like warm sunny weather, and I'm ready to enjoy said climate again. I realized this morning that we are already in the middle of March! Now, you would think this would be obvious, but not to me. The days all run together when you don't take time off, and I've been neglecting to give myself any personal time.
With as many hours as I work each day, it's made me think about WHY I insist on working such long hours. I think it has a lot to do with upbringing. My brother and I both grew up on the water, and it was the greatest experience I could have ever asked for as a child. We went crabbing daily, fishing just as often, and we typically ate whatever we caught that day when dinnertime came.
(For those of you In Southern Maryland or coming to the area, head to Captain Billy's for dinner, and order the crabs. You'll thank me later. Unless you're allergic to shellfish, in which case you should probably ignore me)
You've Got To WORK For The Reward
My parents were by no means wealthy, but they worked very hard for what they have, and among a list of things too long to mention, they taught us how to:
1) Enjoy the basics.
2) Understand that if you enjoy your work, the long hours you put in are easy.
Fishing for dinner? We've done it. We didn't get the fancy Jet Ski's or power boats our friends got as kids. We got a sailboat instead, the kind that fits one, possibly 2 if someone hangs off the side of the boat.
Jib Jabbering
Sailing that boat was work, bar none! It taught us some very important life lessons, though, and to this day, we still have that old boat, and I have zero interest in powerboats. I remember being disappointed that I didn't have the latest and greatest toys as a child, and I didn't fully understand what my parents were doing, but there's no way I could thank them enough today.
Whenever I wanted to go sailing, it took an hour just to prepare the boat, and another 30 minutes to take the gear down afterwards. I saw the link directly: A little work, and a little reward. I learned to enjoy working, and was glad to do so. It's carried over into my adult life. I enjoy my work immensely, and so I don't feel a need or desire to take time off often.
At any rate, because it's now mid-March, I need to take a day off, and go to Annapolis. I need new sheets for my little boat, and I'm running out of time if I want to have it in the water by May first! I wonder, will that qualify as time off to relax, or do Thomas and I need to find a new way to unwind?
(In case anyone was wondering, Thomas was the one sailing in the previous picture. He's on the left, on the right in the fashionable orange jacket is a dog.)
~Jonathan Benya
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000
301-653-8116
Waldorf and Southern Maryland Real Estate
www.teambenya.com
Post a comment
Temporarily disabled — coming soon!
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
My Grandfather once told me that the harder he worked, the luckier in life he was. I laughed at the time, but, now I see a lot of wisdom from ol' Gramp's
Working hard does have its rewards just as working smart has rewards! And as a previous resident of Frederick MD - darn it is cold up there!
Be of service! The rewards will come!
Working hard and smart does have its benefits.
I prefer to working hard and smart, so that I can maximize my earnings. Otherwise I am working hard for what?
Jonathan,
Nice blog. My family and I are heading to that area in July to travel the ICW. We will probably start at Baltimore and head as far as VB. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Kevin
The key to success is working hard. If you don't work hard, you won't enjoy the finer things that life has to offer.
No matter what anyone says there is no replacement for hard work. When we do have to work hard it makes us appreciate the times when we can work smarter. It also makes the relaxing times that much sweeter.
Thanks Kim Ray
Working hard is the great equalizer. Anyone can do it and succeed. I've been working so hard lately, I feel like a machine. Nice pictures, by the way!
Success requires hard (and smart) work, though I am a believer in taking time away from work to recharge. A good work ethic is becoming harder and harder to find these days. I guess, however, it allows the "cream" to rise to the top.
When you have worked hard and accomplished what you set out to do, it is such a great feeling. But, at some point you should take some time for yourself before you burn out. It helps to clear out your head and start fresh once again.
Once you get the boat prepared and out for sail, then I'd say that qualifies as a time off for relaxation. Any time away from your everyday "work" can be relaxing. Enjoy!
Jonathan, you need to come to Az next winter and take a break. See you here soon.
Rich
There is absolutely no substitute for hard work. The key is to work smart. Play hard and work hard was the motto my father and uncle preached. I am concerned about our younger generation. They have had it very good their entire lives and I believe they don't have the same work ethic as previous generations.
www.recreateyourlifenow.com
Hardwork never hurt anyone. That was my dad's saying. And it still sticks to me this day.
Wow, I can't believe the positive response! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read my blog!
William- It's amazing as I grow older how much more I realize they my parents were right on the money!
Gary- You know first-hand how gorgeous the bay area is! We've been lucky that the winter was mild, but I'll take a warm summer day on the rivah any day over the cold snaps in December and January
Kevin- You're going to love the trip! The Baltimore Harbor is a must-see, and there are so many GREAT historical sights in the area that I've still never made it out to all of them!
Rich- I'm actually scheduled to hit AZ this summer! Whereabouts are you at?
Jonathan,
A little hard work never hurt anyone! That is the only way to feel good about your accomplishments.
I did a little sailing(in Chesapeake Bay) while stationed at Ft. Meade,Maryland .
I'm putting new line on a couple of fishing reels tomorrow. I'm getting ready.
Jon, spring is just around the corner. I heard the frogs chirping late last night. It'll be rockfish season before you know it.
I agree with the above comments...you have to work hard and smart to get the best results.
What a great post!! I love basic principle #2... it's so darn true. And what a great outlook on work and life in general... but you know, if you really like warm weather, you've got to try California ;)
As long as everyone is plugging the state they live in, ya really need to come to Bluegrass Country for the Kentucky Derby! First Saturday in May! Absolutely gorgeous here!
And I'm all for hard work. Been doin' it all my life. But working smart is even more rewarding. Keller Williams 101 teaches us it's all about leverage - so you can have a life, too!
Jonathan, My parents were the same way and boy am I glad they were. I appreciate everything I have and am ready, willing and able to get down and work hard when the pressure is on.
I love working hard indoors and getting lots of things done, or, working hard outside and building up a great sweat
the more we practice, the luckier we get. good effort always equals good outcome. enjoying what you do is also part of it.
cheers
It's fortunate that you have a job you love. It makes working hard easier to do.
I was always told that if I worked hard and never quit trying, I would find success. It's true. No matter what you do, you have to work at it and never let yourself get down!
You reap what you sow
I work to live. I do not live to work. Nobody went to their grave saying "I wish I worked one more day!" Life is too short- live it to the fullest!
Enjoy some time off. It is an experience which will renew and give you even more enjoyment and creativity when you get back into the routine. I think it is very important to find that balance between hard work and hard play!
Work smarter, not harder...;) I just had to say it...
Nice post.
The great thing about hard work is that most people will not copy it. My dad always says, "Your competition will copy everything you do, but they will not copy hard work." They will copy your website, your blog ideas, your mailers, your advertising and so on. When it come to hard work though, they will leave you alone on that front.
I work as hard as anyone and am very proud of that. Balance and family time are just as important though. Having gratitude everyday is key.