Do You Want to Play or Perform?

Have you ever noticed that many of our personal time and discussions are on our playtime? We like to party. We love our sporting events (my wife and I like tennis). We are thrilled to talk about our wonderful vacation experiences. Video games, computer games, movie entertainment, HD TV, time saving devices, and innumerable toys are often what is talked about yet can produce attention deficit disorder, impatience, and an unwillingness to actually do the work it takes to actually “do” something of value.

So, why should I be interested in actually “doing something” that produces more than just entertainment value?

Does this sound similar to last week’s blog? The difference is that play is much different than excusing ourselves for being a victim of our past. The past is past. Play is a current decision of our circumstances that we control.

Ok, I have been accused of “all work and no play” but why not make work what you are passionate about? Why not make work just as enjoyable as play? Why not plan work time to also include some play such as networking on the golf course, at a ball game, or at dinner. That can include your work network or your personal network, such as your family. In other words, structured play is a part of life and work and has value. Unstructured, mind numbing entertainment can be destructive and an incredible waste of time and money.

The difference is the result. Properly focused work helps others and yourself. Limited and focused play, such as a weekend in the mountains or coaching your daughter’s sports team or a planned vacation trip, can include play but should be considered rest and relaxation (R&R) to decompress and recharge one’s batteries. Then back to work passion we go!

You may not agree but the point I am trying to make is that whether looking for a job or developing your career, there is little time to waste unless there is a purpose and not merely mind numbing replacement of work effort with wasted activity – whether you are doing it at work or at home.

I am not suggesting the elimination of playtime. We all need down time every day. It is just that often the amount of playtime may be why you are still looking for a job or falling behind the promotion career curve.

My only point is that all of us need to ask ourselves, “Do we want to play or perform?”