The Personal Part

Each day I try to push myself away from my focus on career. Whether it is to spend an hour to play piano or guitar or to hang out with some friends doesn't matter. The reason I do this is that it is important to find a diversion that brings fresh perspective to the day.

It is too easy to be busy all day long; work; commute; eat; chores etc...but often the things that mark time best of all in the long run are the extra curricular activities. I can remember work in general as blocks of life, but the real differentiators have been the fun stuff like playing in a band; putting a 110% effort to help do something for a friend that made a difference; going on an unplanned trip etcetera.

I think this lesson should be applied to the career as well. Namely spend an hour a day to do something that gets you ahead instead of being just busy. I can always respond to emails; tweak an analysis a bit more; have another meeting but not really get ahead. Now I try to spend some time networking with people that is outside of my direct needs; keeping old contacts current; reading articles or books that change the way I think or work. I make people a priority as well as making sure I complete requests that are made of me (usually :).

Using this strategy has given me an edge by being ready for new tasks and more importantly I am mentally more confidant to take on new tasks. Delegating might be necessary to be ale to get a block of time opened up or maybe even it is required a bit of time in the evening. Whatever it takes, give it a shot and see if at the end of a month you really did force yourself to do something new and unique that will stand the test of time.