I think we have all heard the expression “Stop Horsing Around.” It means to stop doing stuff that is distracting you and get your job done!
Well, I have learned a lesson I want to share with you. It concerns something that just happened by accident when I was… well, horsing around.
As an Internet Marketer, I am well trained in time management. To be the chief CEO of your own company (as I am of mine), I need to manage my time wisely. So how do I go about that, exactly? First of all, I set up a DMO – Daily Method of Operation. And, of course, I’m then supposed to stick to it.
As a good time manager, I do a pretty decent job with getting things done and even leaving some spare time for miscellaneous chores. I do the most difficult task FIRST and then go on to my others. I give myself an A+ for being so diligent! I don’t consider myself to be a person that horses around, because I know I can get off track too easily that way.
So there. I give myself a gold star for being such a great student and mentor.
But…
Lately I haven’t taken time out for doing nothing.
And I mean Nothing! It may sound frivolous, but “nothing” is often as important as task completion.
You see, there is always miscellaneous time in my schedule for going grocery shopping, going out to dinner, or watching an old film noir. But I realize that these are activities also.
The other day, I found out that there were 15 miles of garage sales not too far away from my home. I dragged my husband away from his work and decided to go. Begrudgingly, he went along for the ride.
Oh, did I ever mention to you that I love a deal?
At garage sales I always get a deal!
It is a hobby of mine that gives me that “rush” of energy when I can find an unusual antique or a 50 year old quilt that I don’t need, but just love to have.
That being said, we set out for our journey to rural country. What I realized is that my joy didn’t come from the deal as much as it came from the people I met and the beautiful countryside near my home that I had never taken the time to really “discover”.
Yes, I was horsing around.
I met an older woman who had chickens, pheasants and peacocks. She was proud of her birds and told me all about them. I must have spent a half hour just enjoying her company and learning how she lived off of these birds and their eggs. She showed me her lovely mountain view property, explaining all the details with a childish glint in her eye.
Onto my next stop.
A little hesitant this time, with mud and 4-wheelers parked out front. I
had to walk down a muddy path to take a peek at this one. Hmmm, were these folks going to shoot me, I wondered? Turns out, I found out all about hunting from these them. No, I wasn’t interested in purchasing camouflage equipment or bows and arrows, but they happily shared their stories of hand-to-mouth subsistence in the back country.
Next stop, a horse farm.
This time I met a woman who was an actual cowgirl! that’s right folks. She could ride, lasso, all the stuff as seen on TV. To me this was fascinating. I even had the chance to see her prize horses.
So why am I telling you this story about my day frolicking and horsing around?
For a really good reason.
Sometimes we need to indulge ourselves with unplanned adventures.
You know, things you didn’t chart into your DMO.
You have no idea who you are going to meet or what their story might be. But I bet you will find it interesting and immensely rewarding.
Sometimes, I even find it quite rewarding to horse around a bit even on the Social Media platforms.
Yes, I busy myself regularly with my core work, but sometimes I like just reaching out to someone I don’t know. I message them to see how they are, sit back and listen to their story.
It is all about engagement.
I usually have a reason to reach out, but when there is no reason at all, when I am just curious about a person and contact them, something magical happens.
That’s how I learn!
Just like my garage sale journey. It wasn’t about the rush of the deal at all. It was simply an enlightening experience of reaching out to people I would never have met otherwise.
Getting out to see the mountains and streams on strange country properties, and encountering things I’d never explored, gave me a breath of fresh air and a new approach to my life when I returned home.
This can happen online, too.
I have talked to people all over the world. From sheer curiosity, I wanted to know how things were in their life. I am always surprised and learn so much from people when I have no agenda in mind.
So if you’re one of my Social Media Peeps… or, even if you’re not… start Horsing Around out there.
You never know what’s in store for you unless you reach out. Meet some new people and listen to their stories. From there, relationships are endless.
What have YOU done lately by reaching out?
Donna, I love this post! You got me with the title, and then flipped me totally around, in the best possible way. During this holiday break called Christmas, my wife looked at me and said, You know, we really need more vacation time so we can be together as a family! 2013 has to be a year of fun and relationships, even while I stay focused on my DOM 🙂
As hard as we work Steve, your wife is correct, we do need time to take vacations. Even if we have a weekend away,it can be a world of good.
Thanks,
Donna
Twitter: Barbara Charles
July 28, 2012 at 9:27 pm #
Hi Donna. Great article. I continuously get distracted but not about ‘outside work’ things. Just my mind jumps from one business aspect to another and I’ve got to learn to focus that into one continuous stream. Good post. Got me thinking. Thank you for sharing.
Barbara Charles recently posted..The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award
Glad I could be of help Barbara!
We all get distracted. But…there are many ways to learn how to focus. All we have to do is apply them lol
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award
Twitter: Amis Interactive Communities
July 18, 2012 at 6:50 am #
Donna, your so right!
Everyone needs “Me time”. I make that a point more than once a day. It keeps me energized and awake. You do not need to be plugged into that stupid computer all day long to accomplish allot.
I read and walk around with meeting real life new people daily. It changes the way you will feel once your back to that computer and the online people.
Do not forget the reality is outside away from the internet. People get in the habit of not like to go anywhere without someway to post to Facebook and that is sick.
Well, Donna you tell it like it is. That is why I state your one of our greatest coaches. I love your style and what you do for not just me, everyone of your readers. Thank you and I do appreciate all your do.
Thank you William for your kind words.
When I unplug…I really unplug! People are always surprised why I don’t walk around without my phone. Heck, I want to see and experience where I’m going.
One of my pet peeves is watching people texting and/or talking while they are in a playground with their children, or shopping, and especially at a restaurant.
Yikes Does anyone unplug themselves anymore?
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Law Of Attraction Part 2
Twitter: Barbara Charles
June 28, 2012 at 2:44 am #
Nice! I don’t feel so guilty now when I get what I call ‘distracted’ from my work! 🙂 Thanks for helping me understand what we all need to do is o.k. sometimes to take a break. You never know who you will meet. Love this article. Thanks.
Hi Barbara and Welcome!
I find that when we get distracted from our work, we are overworked! Set time each day for a break. Do something for YOU! If you worked for a corporation, you would have break time, lunch time, etc.
Working for ourselves isn’t easy, but we must take breaks.
Thank you for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The 80/20 Rule
Hi Donna,
I enjoyed reading your post. It really is a good idea to get out of the norm and start horsing around. I admire that you enjoy getting to know new people and learning from them as they can learn from you too. We are often trapped to our daily routine and forget to just enjoy ourselves.
Thanks!
Hi Jeffery,
It is fun to be open to new things and having the mindset that each person we meet during our day can open up so many opportunities. Not making money, but rather lessons learned, great feelings, etc.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The 80/20 Rule
Hey Donna,
It is really true what you are saying about having no agenda and getting important pieces of information in the process. I guess you call it spontaneous connection or something like that.
Mariella Lombardi recently posted..2 Pounds for Larger Breasts? Pregnancy Weight Gain, The Good, The Bad…The Reality
Hi Mariella,
Yes it is true that sometimes I like to have no agenda. Key word here is sometimes.
But when you keep your eyes open connections can be found and it is awesome! Of course you cannot live your life this way, but it is creating an opposite action of what we always do.
It is more like a vacation of the mind. Along the way keep your mind open to the many opportunities you have for connections to people places and things.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Hiding Under A “Blogging Umbrella?”
Wow, Donna, it sounds like you know how to do “social marketing” without any of the tools we are told to use every day 😉
I think it’s great that you got out to talk to people. So many people don’t want to be bothered talking these days. They would rather text or be doing something online. But the real engagement is when you can have a conversation with someone and just enjoy it.
I agree that there are 2 things we need: nothing time and people time. It’s important to recharge by getting out of work mode and just enjoying the moment. And in those moments, as you’ve shared with us, you can really find some amazing things.
Thank you for your inspiration today!
Carol Lynn recently posted..Social Media Lies, Myths And Delusions: How You Should Really Be Thinking About Social Marketing
Thanks Carol Lynn
We do need our people time! When we do, amazing things happen. Thanks for coming by
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Hiding Under A “Blogging Umbrella?”
Hi Donna,
I don’t give myself permission often enough to goof around. And if I do, it’s almost always with guilt.
“Unplanned adventures” – that has a nice ring!
Thanks,
Peggy
Hi Peggy,
After reading this I would hope that you give yourself more permission to take a break.
Otherwise, we start experiencing overwhelm, or just plain lose interest in what we are doing because we tend to burn out.
A break can refresh your mind body and spirit.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Hiding Under A “Blogging Umbrella?”
Hi Donna, it is FUN to horse around sometimes (lots of times:-) My favorite horsing round is going out with a scuba diving club, and hearing all the adventures people have had underwater! And, going back to shore after a dive is so much fun – everyone is excited about what they saw on their dives. We all see different things, even if we dived in the same spots.
Glad to hear you having fun Donna. So, did David enjoy himself as much as you did?
Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..What Inspires You to Teach?
Hi Julianne,
Oh this is what I love about engagement. I never knew you were a scuba diver! It must be wonderful just getting away from the world and into a different one under water. What a great experience!
Yes, David did enjoy it. At first he is always a little hesitant when I tell him to let the road lead us. But then he remembers all the adventures we had in the past when we do things like this.
It took him a longer time to let go. He was thinking about business and all he had to do. But then he was touched by the scenery and the smell of the air. While I was chatting with people I met, I noticed him in the background taking a deep breath and being at one with the countryside.
I am grateful we are in the same business because we pull each other out of ruts. He has an eagle eye on me and I for him. I consider myself blessed.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Hi Donna! I love being in business with my hubby also – he’s a lot less serious than me. When we first met, I was a complete “work aholic” and he was always trying to get me to go out with him and “just have fun”! I think that’s why he agreed to learn to scuba dive with me, because he thought it would get me out away from work. He was certainly right there!
Do you find it challenging to “not” talk about business when you go out together?
We made it a “rule” for awhile, that on Sundays (our “fun day”) we would go out and we weren’t allowed to talk about business. It didn’t last a real long time though:-)
bye for now, Julieanne
Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..What Inspires You to Teach?
Great story and message within Donna! I for one love to horse around, mainly horsing around literally riding my mare in the mountains, communing with nature and allowing myself peace and quiet (aside from songs of birds). Balance in life is so important and for me that includes networking with awesome online friends like you. Don’t forget to take that “nothing” time when you can just be yourself doing nothing.
Wendy MacKay recently posted..Why working in partnerships and joint ventures work
Hi Wendy.
I can see you have a balanced lifestyle! I always liked riding horses. Being a city gal. The first time I rode, it was in Central Park. We had to cross the street to get into the park. The light turned and my horse had to pee. All the cars started beeping. The horse literally stood on his hind legs and freaked out.
I was so scared all I can remember was that my knuckles were white holding on so tightly. The funny thing is I wasn’t afraid. I was at one with that horse and every time I went on vacation, I went horse back riding.
There is something about being one with such a beautiful animal and listening to the birds singing a symphony.
You lucky gal you! Keep it up.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Twitter: Amis Interactive Communities
June 19, 2012 at 12:07 am #
Merrill, every time I visit your inspire this reader. That is the only way to balance our well being, by creating adventures. You learn so much about yourself. Think about this, you can understand that each day is an adventure and your the only one who can make use of it. Why not have fun and get all you can out of this time. Celebrate life and all the wonders of it.
Merrill, your on point with being aware that there is more to life than making a buck. Most of the best adventures globally did not cost me one dime just time I took to make it happen.
One thing about having a lifestyle and not punching in a clock for someone else business. You get to do what you love all day and never have to worry about time limits.
I just had to make sure Merrill you get six gold stars for this article. I have shared this with my group and will keep it going viral. You make a huge difference in this readers life.
Thank you for all you do. This was amazing and uplifting to last a lifetime. Thanks Thanks…
Thanks for your uplifting comment William.
Each moment of our lives are what we make it. When we realize that, we can reach the true center of peaceful living. There is an abundance in life. What you focus on is what you get.
By stressing to take a break and “horsing around” I find that life brings me great wonders. The glorious experience of meeting a woman that was a farmer and sharing our stories. I’m from NYC, she has lived on a farm all her life. It may seem like we come from two different worlds, but not at all, once you start communicating.
This is the point of online marketing. You can meet someone from the other side of the planet. You reach out and find out about their life style. You will find that you have many things in common. But best of all it is a learning experience.
Your mind expands, you have a different perspective. So taking a break weather on line or off line is such a great thing to do.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Twitter: DrErica
June 19, 2012 at 3:46 am #
Donna,
What a wonderful post. I have been dilligently working at my computer and seeing clients. Then, instead of relaxing on the weekends, I attend a local networking event, go to my Sunday meditation group, buy groceries and gas, and then return to do more work. Today, a quiet Monday, after a really uplifting talk with my Monday morning mastermind group, I decided to go to my health club for a workout. But then, which I haven’t done in a very long time, I went swimming (it was a beautiful day) and I actually laid down and RELAXED in the sun for quite awhile. Finished off with a jacuzzi, sauna, my yoga and pilates, and a steam. Needless to say, I did not get any work done today – even phone calls had to wait. But tonight I am rejuvenated and focused, so I wrote an article at Examiner.com about two of my local friends who are speaking this Wednesday.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..It’s a Sensational World
Bravo! Doesn’t it feel good to let go sometimes? Even though, like you, I go to my meditation class once a week, it is still an activity.
But, when we just let go and see where the wind takes us, keeping our mindset on the moment. It is the best vacation we can ever have.
When my husband and I go on vacation it takes us two days to settle down. We get the jitters because we are not working. Sometimes I will even take calls from clients, check the internet. So is that a vacation? No!
I find that if I just do nothing once a week and see where the road to nowhere leads, my mind just focuses on that. Oh did I mention NOT to take the phone? he he
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Hi Donna,
I really like your post. At first I thought it was going to be a post about you telling us to not horse around and it’s all about horsing around, ha, ha, 🙂
Moderation is key. Too much of anything is no good. It’s just common sense and the way of the universe.
Setting times and dates and having schedule will let you get so much more done than if you didn’t however it’s good from time to time to stop and smell the roses.
Terry Conti
Terry Conti recently posted..Affiliate Marketing
Ha Ha You got the message! I did that on purpose so people would think they would have to stick to the grind. But the trick was to enlighten them to take some time Terry!
Stop and smelling the roses is such an important way to balance our lifestyle, especially those that are internet marketers. We tend to immerse ourselves in our work, because we love it. But we need time for adventures.
One little adventure a week can clear your mind like you would if you went on a 10 day vacation.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
You make some excellent points here, Donna! It is indeed super important to be disciplined and work hard. It’s hard to have a profitable business without that type of focus. But we do need to sometimes just “BE.” I need to work on this myself as I tend to work a lot. I enjoy work, but I definitely need to play more. Thanks for the reminder!
Rebecca
Rebecca Livermore recently posted..006 Motivational Minute Audio: Balance Flexibility With Discipline in Your Blogging Efforts
Hi Rebecca
Yes, this is why I wrote about it. We tend to enjoy what we are doing. So much so, that sometimes we forget that we just have to “be” – I realized this when I took classes each week just to “be” – silly isn’t it when you think about it. Paying for a class just to do what we can on our own?
But at the time I needed it because I was a working machine. Now, I give myself time – at least an hour a day – to accomplish nothing.
It has been working well.
Thanks for coming by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Donna,
I don’t know if you have read the book “The Charge” but it echo’s what you are saying. People need change in their lives in order to feel happy. We could have it all, the house, the cars, the dog, the kids and even them we can become unhappy or discharged in our lives. Creating change by doing what you did and just doing something on the fly helps to keep our minds ready for all the challenges our daily humdrum brings.
Well said Clint! No I don’t have that book, but it seems interesting.
I do like to do things on the fly. I used to do it more, but I am making it a point to do more of it. he he
Once I told my husband that I needed a few days away. He asked where? I told him to pack for 3 days, lets get in the car and drive to find out.
And so we did.
We ended up in Rhode Island and had a 3 day blast! We do enjoy spontaneous adventures. Now I am making a point to do one each week. Even if it is just for an afternoon.
This week, I came upon a “Strawberry Festival” just by driving an hour. Whoopie…strawberry shakes!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
June 16, 2012 at 7:36 pm #
Wonderful Donna 🙂 Thanks for sharing your journey. It’s nice to hear. Horsing around? STOP? Owh… I did and do horsing around. It doesn’t mean I’m not stick into my plans, but still I’m not strict with my plans. However I appreciate your ability of time management. It means so much responsibilities, no? 😉
You remember that, right? (Now you thinking WHAT) I’ve told you about how I do in your “Procrastination” post. Now I’m getting better with it. I do follow your advice, I’m feeling better and being efficient than before 😉 I get my things done first without taking extra time. But still horsing around 😉
Ohw can you think of doing same thing over and over again everyday? That’s what people call complex and busy life, isn’t it? It’s alright to busy, but as I see the thing is we don’t try to engage or start conversations. Do we? 🙂 I mean, think, even we friends, did we ever talk about how it’s going over there and how about my place and all? 😉 I think we better get to know what around us first and further we can reach out more too. What do you think? 🙂
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted..Update Your Facebook Status from Twitter with Selective Tweets
Mayura, first I want to thank you for your kind words of my procrastination series that you have opted into.
It is so great to take a break and get a fresh start. Even if we reach out to someone on our blog or social platforms. Just to get to know them. How is life on the other side of the planet? That is so interesting.
Once we start reaching out and just say Hi to someone, we get to know more about them that is not revealed on social platforms. This is how we build relationships.
It doesn’t have to be business. But when you get to know someone more deeply, find out how their lifestyle is and find out what business plan they have, you become friends.
As I do this, I jot down who is doing what. When I talk to a client that needs something I cannot give them, I suggest them to one of my friends. Sometimes it shocks people. But you know what? I have gained more respect during the years of off line and on line business because of that.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
You know, Donna. Horsing around is a very important part of our job. It’s the creative part where you get inspired to do the part that gets you paid.
We wouldn’t have life experience without horsing around. Without this experience we wouldn’t have anything to write about and nothing to teach others. Without horsing around you wouldn’t have written this article which has already given you 31 comments.
I love spending free time doing nothing. I don’t always manage it, but I love doing it.
Anne recently posted..Confidence To Let Go Of Bitterness
Hi Anne,
Horsing around is an important part of our job. You said it all when you mentioned that it is the creative part where we get inspired to the part that gets us paid.
It is refreshing and brings in new ideas. Being an Internet Marketer, I catch myself viewing everything through a marketer’s eye. Even on this little trip I took, I kept thinking to myself all the better ways this could have been marketing.
But then I had to quiet my mind and enjoy the moment.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Hi Donna, nice story!
I agree that it is relaxing to drive down a rural country road to breath fresh air and enjoy the scenery. For now, I definitely need to “quit horsing around” on this computer and go get some exercise and yard work done 🙂 Basically, I do those things when I need a break from the work grind.
Hey Nathan! Yard work? I enjoy doing that, of course not cutting grass, but rather taking time to water my flowers. I find it to be a little peace in the day.
But that is AFTER my work is done.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
I guess sometimes we need to give ourselves a break. Thank you for reminding me about that.
When things get so busy Rebekah, we need to give ourselves a break. Some think of it as a planned vacation. And…that is great! But what happens on a daily basis?
We need breaks, like walking or hugging our dog, going out for a walk, or just plain horsing around!
Thank you for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
What a fun and refreshing post, Donna! It’s not often I read a blog post and simply enjoy it for what it is — especially one that reflects the way I tend to think. Perhaps the title of your post should’ve been “Start Horsing Around!” LOL I truly believe we don’t do enough of just plain old fashion horsing around these days — especially away from the computer. We need more of that, long drives in the country, getting out and just visiting people, etc., etc. It’s a dying art in our hectic post-modern society.
As for doing nothing, perhaps you should go back and read my post from a couple weeks ago about the power of doing nothing. 🙂
Thanks for a bit of mid-day refreshment!
I love the power of doing nothing Steve!
Our problem in our society and especially in this business is that we are go go go all the time! Not only are we out there go-giving on our blogs, teaching and of course selling, but learning each and every day to stay up on the latest curve.
It is a very fast moving business and that’s why I love it. But it is easy to fall into the mindset that we have to always be “on it.”
This is why it is important to just get out and do something different.
It’s refreshing!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
“I usually have a reason to reach out, but when there is no reason at all, when I am just curious about a person and contact them, something magical happens.”
You sum it up nicely.
Life is full of little surprises – So why not try an uncover as many as we can.
People are the reason we do, what we do.
Warm regards,
Simmeon
Simmeon recently posted..How To REALLY Use CommentLuv To Grow Your Blog
Oh Simmeon, you are such a great spirit! You have the understanding that reaching out for no reason at all can fill your day with joy or surprise you and lead to a business opportunity.
Thanks for coming by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Donna, Tough question..
..But how many people do you think you reached out to over the years..
My aim is one person per day, seems to be going well.
Simmeon recently posted..Spy On Your Competition Using Bit.ly
That is a difficult question. I would say I have at least 50 trusted friends that I engage with. Maybe there are more, I don’t know.
Sometimes people disappear from the market place, and I reach out to see what they are doing. I do have several friends that have dropped-out of Internet Marketing, but we are still friends and keep in touch.
I think reaching out to one person per day is great. You don’t want to over-kill. Making connections like that is awesome, even if you are just shooting the breeze and sharing life stories. This brings us closer to a person.
Simmeon, you are doing a great job!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Hi Donna,
Sometimes a little play time is exactly what we need! 🙂 It’s even better when we can engage in some good interactions too!
One thing that I do to unwind is work on the novel that I’m writing. I love writing it because it really gets my creative juices flowing and helps me to have more creativity in the tasks that otherwise don’t inspire me.
Thanks for sharing the reminder!
Stacy
Hi Stacy,
What a great outlet! Anything we can do to get ourselves away from the business track is wonderful.
Don’t forget to send me a link to that novel!
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Hi Donna,
Well, thank you for this country tour, it reminded me my childhood.
You are so right, we all need to be doing “nothing” once in a while, just take a big breath and enjoy the moment. That’s how I call it.
Such moments of doing “nothing” are very important and more times than not when I do that, they are moments which stick in my memory forever with such a feeling of wellness.
Thanks for this refreshing post, Donna 🙂
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..What You’re Experiencing Today Is What You’ve Created Yesterday
I’m happy you enjoyed the post Sylvaine!
It is so great just to do nothing sometimes. We all need to clear our minds. When we come back to working we get a clear perspective and sometimes great new ideas!
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Twitter: rebekahradice
June 13, 2012 at 11:13 pm #
It’s as if you read my mind today Donna! I have felt like I’m burning the candle from one end to the other lately and know the value of down time. I need it and will find a way to enjoy it this weekend for sure. Thank you for giving me the “free pass” to enjoy my life outside of the online world and just do nothing!
Rebekah Radice recently posted..How to Set Up and Optimize a Facebook Page
Hi Rebekah,
When you are feeling that way it is a red flag to take a break. I love going on mini vacations….Sometimes we just get on a road and see where it leads us. Sometimes it becomes a great adventure.
Enjoy your weekend!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
I love this expression of horsing around Donna.
I have the opposite problem on the other extreme. Focus is what I do and things done fast and well. sometimes I am tempted to multitask to have my daily operations done.
the problem?
I badly need to horse around after working hard.
I love shopping , my other business is in fashion so I find myself doing nothing just looking nice accessories, studying colors materials but with no goal.
This is my way to fill my batteries up so that I go back focus focus focus.
After realizing I could let go of guilt when horsing around i have found a good balance for my inner peace and results.
Great post Donna, thanks for sharing;)
Patricia Gozlan recently posted..Laughter: A Tested Way to Look and Feel Thinner!
Hi Patricia!
Sometimes we do work too hard. Multi tasking is great – but only for a short time. Just go over and Google the psychological effects on multitasking long periods of time. You will see it leads to stress, sickness, and more confusion. (I found out the hard way he he)
I love fashion too. Why do you think I’m at garage sales…secret here is that I love to find clothing from the 50’s. Sometimes they were never worn. I once found an original Dior suit with tags on it from 1950! I had my tailor fit it to me and I just love wearing it.
Also, Old Jewelery – I love accessories. Once I even found a purse that was made of aligator with the actual face and hands on it. Still in my closet, not to offend anyone YET!
I am glad you can go out without guilt and horse around!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Enjoyed reading this post, Donna – I, too, like to “horse around” but need to be careful since I’m focusing on “balance”. I love meeting new people and getting away from this screen is quite enjoyable at times. Thanks again – peace and light!
Ah Balance is the key word here!
My horsing around has given me the balance I needed
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
June 13, 2012 at 4:46 pm #
Only you Donna can spin this tail of horsing around into something worthwhile. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us and boy do I ever agree.
I’m not surprised you enjoy garage sales. Girl, I can’t stand those things. Okay maybe it’s because I’ve never found a good deal just other people’s junk. But meeting awesome people would be fun. I’d love that.
I don’t get out as often as I use to but I definitely enjoy connecting with people online. Getting to know them, what they enjoy doing, where they live, what are their likes, etc. is just a great way to just connect with people. You don’t even have to have an agenda and you would be surprised at what can happen when you don’t. Those are the ones that surprise me the most.
Thanks for giving us permission to horse around a bit more Donna. I think I’ll take you up on that! 😉
Hope you’re enjoying your day!
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..The Ultimate Guide To Blogging Success
You better take me up on that Adrienne…you work too hard he he he
Seriously, you are the social blogging butterfly and it would be nice to take it out of the house once in a while my friend.
Just get in the car and follow your intuition. I’m sure you will find an adventure ahead. Even if it is stopping at a small restaurant you have never gone into.
Just apply your amazing personality to the outside world and watch how much you can connect with people.
I just have to visit you one day so we can Rock Texas!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Hi Donna,
what a wonderful story…first of all congratulations for being so well organized. I consider myself well organized too and so I agree that we need to step away from our well-outlined plans and do something unplanned, even adventureous. It can give us so much fun and pleasure, and even new ideas. The cool part is also that we don’t have to travel thousands of miles to have these adventures, as in your case, right ?
As a matter of fact, I do that not often enough. Next Friday, we’re going to drive to my wife’s grandmother and we will touch French territory on our way, so we will make a stop in a little town and just stroll around. That will be fun.
People who get distracted easily probably should consider the advice in your headline: Stop horsing around. Get your things done and plan some extra time for distraction or horsing around.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
Hi Oliver!
I love to do a little get-away that is unplanned. There are so many gifts one can discover along the way. Adventure to me is going to a different place even if it is a few miles away. Driving through one cannot get the feel of it. But as I walked around and poked into people’s yards, and admired the views, it was like an unexpected vacation.
This is why our DMO is so important. Once organized, we do have the opportunity to go out for a little adventure.
I am sure, your stop at France will be a delightful treat. Enjoy
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
What a wonderfully refreshing post Donna and I too would like to commend you on your DMO! So long as I plan well the night before, I am extremely efficient, it is when there are interruptions to the night before that I start the day a little disorganized.
I think it is so important to take some time out and actually plan time in our schedule for fun things. I was finding that my fitness was suffering as I was engrossed over the computer from morning til midnight whilst trying to get something up and running. I was wondering what to do about it when we made a family decision to buy a puppy – a chocolate labrador called “Archie”. He is a bit of a distraction, but he is definitely solving my fitness problem as he already needs 3 walks a day!
Great post Donna, thanks for sharing with us about your garage sales!
Nicky
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How wonderful Nicky! I’m sure Archie will get you up and going. I have three dogs and they do tear me away from the online world!
They do lie around me as I work and need a pet or a kiss as my fingers fly over the keyboard.
I have a picture of my husband working along side of me with my blue tick hound wrapped around his shoulders. (he weighs 50 lbs)
I am sure Archie will get your blood circulating and your energy increasing from his need to walk with you.
Enjoy Him,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
With so many websites with fun stuff to do, I can see why it can become so easy to be distracted…that and then everyday life happenings can too. I think it is important to put a schedule and make sure that time is dedicated to doing what needs to be done. If that schedule happens to have a couple small breaks… fine. But the general idea is to stay on task.
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Absolutely Nile – staying on our task is something we need to do. I find my little breaks now are like mini vacations. I can ride out an hour from my home just to see a different atmosphere.
When I get back, my mind is clear and I feel like I was on a vacation!
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Twitter: suejprice
June 13, 2012 at 8:24 am #
Hi Donna
Love your post. First of all I want to say I admire your normal ability to stick to your intended tasks.
I have been a CEO for many years in the corporate world. There I was good at it. But I had a personal assistant and other people I managed and I had people to do stuff for me.
Now it is just me! And I am still getting myself organist. I think I must have had great assistants in the past 🙂
Now I know your message is to take some time out and get out and meet people so I will get to that. I think it is awesome you had a day “horsing around”. It is important. Isn’t lifestyle and freedom part of the reasons we have home businesses?
I get too caught up these days at my computer so I am making myself get out too. I am a very social person and I know we can be that via social media but I love physically meeting people too.
But my biggest take away here is from Dallas’s comment and your response on how you deal with your in boxes – end of the day. You know because I live in Australia and your day is almost over when I get up I deal with it first – then yep I am off my plans. I am going to do what you do though. I can tell myself I am day ahead of you all anyway. It is already Wednesday night here 🙂
Thanks for a great message Donna
Sue
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Hi Sue,
Thank you for sharing your story! Now that you are the CEO of your own business, your own assistant, and all the other hats you wear – you know how overwhelming things can be.
I too am a very social person. But I was getting a little too social on line and forgot about the outside people I can meet. Happens to all of us he he.
It was a great experience I wanted to share with all of us who know how connected we are to our businesses on line.
Go out and smell the roses! My Acupuncturist gave me some homework to do after I wrote this blog. She said that I needed to take a slow walk after dinner. Just meandering around slowly, noticing the colors of flowers, especially the yellow and pink ones.
I took her advice and it was a pleasure to feel those vibes!!!
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Twitter: marquitaherald
June 13, 2012 at 12:58 am #
Inspirational as usual Donna. Not much of a garage sale fan myself since I lean more toward a less-stuff-is-better lifestyle, but of course the point is the interaction and honestly just taking a break from routine occasionally to clear the mind and welcome new experiences, sites and people. Excellent advice.
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Thanks for visiting Marquita.
I’m not a pack rat myself, but I do love buying unusual antiques! Taking a break from my routine does so much good. Just a few miles away – in a different setting cleared my head.
Oh…and the people were awesome!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Hi Donna…after 9 months of internet distractions I finally took contoll of my DOP (daily operation procedures) and what a relief…most importantly my inbox is someone’s elses agenda…so I deal with it at the end of the day
I too love Garage sales….I think I like the drive from one house to the next better…I just like to look around at houses, property, a garden…and love poking around on Saturday sales…it does energize me as well.
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Hi Dallas
Good to see that your DOP is working for you. I deal with my inbox at the end of the day also.
Ahh Garage Sales….It’s more than finding “treasues” but a chance to see those houses, and gardens. I enjoy that factor.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet