There was a time when people were forced to focus on the task at hand. When I say focus, I mean purely, 100%. That’s what adult and child laborers alike were forced to do in textile factories that thrived in 19th century Biddeford and Saco, Maine (United States).
On my recent vacation, I happened to pass by several of these early industrial-age industrial sites. I was awestruck to see the tiny little portals that barely peeked through massive brick and concrete structures that served as the “workplace” of countless poor souls who worked there for 12 and 15 hour days, 6 and 7 days a week.
The reason the windows were so tiny, I am told, was to limit the distraction of the outdoors to children who should be only concerned about their task at hand. Sunshine, trees, people walking in the streets, sounds of dogs or birds… these things would only divert folks from their duties. Production would deteriorate and quality of production would diminish.
I couldn’t help but snap a few photos as I drove by, just to remind me of these past times.
Imagine working in these old fortresses of brick, cold and damp in the winter, hot and devoid of airflow in the summer. Imagine this being your whole life. Long hours, days and weeks would go by, and your only satisfaction would be your production level.
Wages were paltry, social life barren and education confined to traveling tutors who might pass by on occasion. Health and safety standards were horrendous, and there was no such thing as access to management, much less a complaint board.
This all occurred while I was on “vacation”, a brief getaway from my own little “factory” on the internet, where sit, hourly and daily within the confines of my home office “factory”. I had actually been feeling a bit guilty that I was off the grid for a while, not tending to my blog, social sites, emails and my psychic reading clientele.
But after seeing the extremes under which people in these bygone days had been confined and forced to “focus” purely on their work, I found myself a bit more relaxed about taking some time off; about looking outside the window, feeling the breeze, taking in the sun, hearing the sounds of everyday life that I often deprive myself of because I have set such rigorous standards for myself.
I keep this vision clearly in mind now, as I return to my work.
I think I’ve set a higher priority on taking some time off every day, now… taking a walk, playing with the dogs, cooking in the kitchen… whatever I might feel like.
We are often taught that in order to succeed in our business goals, we must stay focused on the task at hand, and not allow our attention to be diverted. That’s true, of course, but I also know many people who take the it to the extreme of living with blinders on. They lose touch with their non-entrepreneurial needs and desires. They find little time for recreation, healthy activities like exercise, prayer, meditation, or even their families and spouse.
I‘ve earned a new respect for taking time from work and enjoying my life, and developing my “self”, not just my business. It pains me to ponder, though, how many people have walked through life without any of the joys I have of spontaneity, recreation and self-determination. It’s a lesson to keep in mind.
Prior to this, I have been working on self hypnosis. And that is really working on focusing on a task, completing it and moving on. But I was moving on to more work!
This whole experience I have undergone was a confirmation that being an Entrepreneur is true freedom. I know this, but I am giving my life priority spending more time doing what I want to do and putting my responsibilities in order in less time.
Call To Action: Are you spending more time working than you are playing? I would love to know your thoughts.
Blessings,
Donna
Twitter: DrErica
October 27, 2012 at 9:39 pm #
Donna,
I feel so aligned with you. You are absolutely correct and wise to take time off to relax and enjoy life. My recent blog post cites an article by the author the book The Blue Zones, about places around the world which have the greatest number of nonagenarians, centenarians and super centenarians. And I was struck by one factor – they take life with ease. They walk or work in their garden, they eat freshly grown fruit and vegetables, they drink 2 1/2 cups of coffee every day (Yeah!), they sit and chat with friends and family over tea and in the evening they share glasses of wine with bread. They take regular naps. In other words, they do not live on these crazy, rigid, “focused” schedules. They live life with comfort (not necessarily financial comfort) and emotional ease.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..What If YOU Knew the Secret to Living Past 100?
I do spend the bulk of my time working, but luckily I work in the family business and get to spend time with my dad, so thankfully it doesn’t feel like “working at a factory.”
Twitter: usmile
October 21, 2012 at 3:48 pm #
Ah, my friend..
There is nothing like allowing yourself to let go and enjoy life. You DESERVE it, darn it! When you give yourself permission to enjoy your life you do and you get so much more out of it. You notice joy because you’re open to it. Love you picture – it says it all. 🙂
Lesly Federici recently posted..How Well Do You Know Your Immune System
You said it girl friend!
We need to give ourselves permission to have a full balanced life!
Thanks!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of NO
Hello Donna,
Great point “developing my “self”, not just my business” never really though of it in those terms but of course is makes perfect sense. Most new things that I do or learn are in respect of my business. Now I’m not about to take up pottery or poetry but will think of a new fun thing to enrol in that is not business interest related. Thanks for the wake up call 🙂
Your welcome Sadie!
It is important to take that “me” time. I found that as I implied this to my life, I am more focused on my business. Yes, I do admit that I see the world through the eyes of a marketer, but I can enjoy other things too.
Glad you “got it”
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Donna,
thanks for bringing up such an important point to pay CLOSE ATTENTION as we work from out “home based factory hole”… thanks for sharing your insight of your vacation discoveries, I was not aware of any of what you described.. but I was aware of the real one I had to go though back in the 60’s and 70’s when I was working in places as you described and even worse, for 12-16 hours a day sometime having to hold on 3 jobs at the same time and the hours awake where always more and more….
We are doing so much better now… and when I hear people complaining for what I call “small stuff” as not having a new car.. I usually do not say much but in my mind I go back to what I had to go though when I did not have any car and had to walk for miles to get to work because I did not have enough money to pay the bus fare… and in my mind I send as much love as I possibly can for the person and hope they will be content with what they have because many years a go, many people did not even have a 10th of what we have today.
Sorry Donna, if I went out of topic here.. but your post inspired me to share with you some of what really went on in real life…
Hope you did not mind.
Love to read your true life stories.
nickc
nick catricala recently posted..Reaching Out…
Hi Nick!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful words! No, not off the subject, but very much on target. I feel like you also. When I hear someone complain, I am quiet and say a little prayer for them so they might find true happiness.
Lots of people do not have the mindset that there are so many others that have to walk because they don’t have a car, or bus fare. Some go without food, some are trapped in this world.
Your mindset is beautiful Nick! You are compassionate and you also have empathy towards others. You are a fine example to this world and through your actions you show us a deeper meaning of life.
I had my struggles in the past too. But I never complained. Instead I chose to change and to push hard in life to bring up my child alone. I have that attitude still today. There is always a choice! Give up or Go forward!
But I never forget the days in my life where I had to struggle. It has been the greatest lesson for me. This is why I try to help others to make a better choice to move on with their lives. But most importantly, to be grateful for life itself.
That being said, I wrote this post for those who put themselves in a factory behind their computer screens. This makes them slaves to their business. They start neglecting their family, friends, and all the important things in life.
OK…I should stop this novel here.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Yes, Donna, I’m guilty as charged. I do tend to work more than I play. But I’m fortunate to the degree that much of my work is so enjoyable that it feels like play. However, when I take my meditation time in the morning, or go to my daily work out, it provides a much needed time off of work. Your post, however, is challenging me to “work” at taking more play time 🙂
Yes it is Steve!
That’s the challenge. I have found that to increase my productivity, I’m taking more “me” time. And that “me” time is without guilt or shoulds in my mind.
I started working on my subconscious mind via a self hypnosis download I purchased. Over a few weeks it worked! But what did I do? Took on another project.
But now, during my travels, when I seen this factory it impressed me that I was in that building I have created in front of my computer screen.
I’m still challenging myself and doing me time without guilt!
Hey, Practice makes Perfect!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Donna,This is really fascinating. I knew conditions were bad but i never likeend it to how i treat myself at work. Damn, i\’m a slave driver to myself. I barely take breaks and i work all hours of the day. Irregular because the kids usually come and go and need me from time to time. WHich is work in itself. I do try to take a nice walk everyday and usually when i return, i have a clear head. Or if i take two days off from work i come back raring to go. But when you are in the thick of it, it\’s hard to stop yourself. I think a lot of us who work on the net are driven like that. SIGH..
Annie Andre recently posted..Will You Regret Delaying Your Travel Dreams? + 5 Deathbed Regrets
You found the analogy Annie!
This is the point! Each time we are working so hard, think of this picture. We chose to work on the internet as a place to be where we can obtain financial freedom.
Yes I do agree that kids are “work” too. I’ve been there, as an entrepreneur before my internet days. Offline or online, we need to create balance.
Taking your walk (by yourself) does clear your head. Anything you can do for yourself, without guilt, will have remarkable results when you get back to your work. You will have a clear mind and focus better.
This WILL produce more productivity that you know.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Hi Donna,
What a timely post! I’ve been working so hard lately and this morning I said to myself, “I really need to take a break!” That little sense of guilt did come up but after reading your post, I know it is perfectly okay to relax, and enjoy the beauty around me. I have the tendency to push too far and I’ve learned I’ve had to make a point to create balance in my life and avoid getting into any extreme schedule.
Aren’t we so fortunate to have the freedom of being an entrepreneur! I am grateful I did not live in the “bygone” days to have the type of life of confinement, poor health, cramped quarters, and uncomfortable temperatures. The picture of the building with those tiny windows gives me the creeps! I can’t imagine living as a “factory prong.” It makes me feel so grateful to enjoy the comfort and perks of modern living.
I am thrilled you had a wonderful vacation….welcome back! I love your smiling face picture by the beach!
Raena Lynn
Raena Lynn recently posted..Skype Traffic Ninja
Hello my friend!
When you carry a huge work load as an entrepreneur you are putting yourself in that factory. No sunlight, working endless hours seven days a week. That is not why we chose to do what we do!
We chose to be entrepreneurs because of the fact that it gives us freedom. So why feel the guilt when we want to do things we love to do? Yes, we love to do our work, but we cannot give ourselves a heavy work load.
I know how much you have put on your plate these days and know how much you enjoy doing so. But there comes a time to prevent overwhelm. So scrap off some stuff on that plate, get out there and have a good time!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Hey Donna
I realised only at the weekend that I’ve been putting far too much pressure on myself to get blog posts out at least twice a week.
I don’t really have the time to stick to that always as my kids are only young and need daddy time!
So, I decided at the weekend that whilst I want to build my blog and work towards building a business, that has to come second until my kids are much more able to cope with life on their own!
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Good thinking Tim!
Family first is my motto! Consistency is important when it comes to our blog. Many do it once a day, twice a week, or once a week. For me, I rather put my time into money making part of my business first.
Therefore, I only blog once a week. Hey, my blog won’t make me money, but my campaigns will.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Hi Donna
We take so much for granted these days don’t we! Life is short and the older I get the more precious life becomes. I used to be a workaholic and I’m so glad that I stepped off the roller coaster a few years ago to enjoy other things in life whilst I still can. Focus is key to achieving more of a work life balance – concentrating on what you’re doing when you’re doing gives you more time to enjoy life.
You said it Anne!
Balance is the key word here. If we are workaholics we loose focus! That’s the analogy here. Good to know that you achieved balance in your life.
Working too much doesn’t produce productivity.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Twitter: marquitaherald
October 18, 2012 at 6:15 am #
Great photos Donna – in fact I’ve seen some of those old buildings myself. Hum … well, my office definitely does not qualify in that regard. As I live in the tropics, my home is far more “open” than homes on the mainland since homes here typically have a lot of windows to let the tradewinds blow on through – and my windows actually run floor to ceiling. On the other hand, I am definitely working more than playing. I don’t mind though because at the moment I’m on a mission to accomplish something and work, well not to sound corny, doesn’t feel like work. Of course, there’s always the chance I could drop dead before I reach my goal, but I figure as long as I’m enjoying the work enough that I wake up eager to start another day – I’m still okay with things they way they are.
marquita herald recently posted..The Risky Business of Living Life to the Fullest
He He He….Marty!
You made me laugh out loud when you said “there is always a chance I could drop dead before I reach my goal”
I know you enjoy your work! Working in surroundings such as yours is a blessing. I live in New York and most of the time it is grey except for summers.
I do need to get myself away from my computer screen to get some fresh air. See the flowers, or autumn leaves. In fact, before I sat down to work today, took a long walk to be in harmony with the autumn breeze and colorful trees. It is amazing how much energy I felt after that.
Now that I sit here I am energized and totally focused.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
I used to spend ages working, not spending enough time with the kids, working until 11 pm etc, for little return. Nowadays, I’ve decided to work until 9pm – no later, take time out with the kids and (most importantly) take time out to relax or meditate each day.
It’s working out a lot better for me I have to admit. I get more done.
Anne recently posted..Body Confidence: Get It
Good for you Anne!
You have reached balance. I think it does take some time for us to do. Usually we do have to learn the hard way by burnout or overwhelm.
But life is important. We need time to enjoy our family and friends and most importantly ourselves! Creating this while running our own business is important.
Good to hear that you have successfully done it!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
While I am reading your post I am smiling my friend.
Balance is a habit and as you say if we do not savor life what is the point of working?
I have the tendency to be hyper focused and to lose myself into the passion of my work helping others to thrive and get out of the trap of their success.
To be congruent it is important for me to remember that if my batteries are not full the quality of my work helping others cannot be as good as I would want it to be form myself and for others.
Great post Donna as always a good wake up call even for us coaches!
You said it Patrica!
I like the way you put it that if your batteries are not full the quality of your work helping others cannot be as good…
We do need a balance. There are so many that work in front of their computers like being behind these brick walls. We cannot be fully functional if we do not take time out for ourselves.
Thank you Patricia for your awesome analogy!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
October 17, 2012 at 12:37 pm #
Hi Donna,
OMG… I can’t imagine that days. Small windows, labor productivity, tight rules – They had to do ’em. But I must say, those laborers made the world we live now. It was the time of revolution, but abusive too. Are we lazy compared to them? 🙂 Now our goals are more of personal, but they were fighting for their lives.
In my childhood I’ve spent most of my time playing in front of my home 🙂 That was days I’ve enjoyed so much. No big responsibilities or such.
Now I spend most of my days with the computer. I was, since I’ve got the computer. But not this much, until I get Internet connection and start blogging. Yeah, blogging made me stay awake overnight. Well, I love being stay awake overnight with no distractions and silent is everywhere 🙂 Very peaceful. No one forcing me to work, but its all me. Not forcing, MOTIVATION.
I don’t think it’s too much. Well, I’m just finished with my degree and I’m not that much busy as you are dear. I’m taking time to watch movies, hang out with friends sometime, but yet limited. Anyway, I need to establish myself first while doing what I love and build my life upon it. First things first. Priorities matters, right Donna? 🙂
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted..How to Enable Autoplay for Your Embedded YouTube Videos
Priorities certainly matter Mayura!
But I ask you this: Is your time in front of the compputer (even if you enjoy it) the same as being in that factory? Hmmmm maybe. You need time for you. It doesn’t have to consume the day, but at least some time to get away from your computer.
You say you remember how much you enjoyed playing outside as a child. Well, do so! Want to know a secret? I still enjoy playing outside. I use my dog as an excuse, but I still play.
Play is necessary, even when we get old.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Hi Donna,
Those building look more like jails than places of work, but I suppose back in the day they were somewhat similar. In that there was no contact with the outside world until your time was done and until then it was head down and crack on.
Since starting to work online I’ve been as you described here, blinders on and work work work, although I’ve always had a rule that Sundays are family days and no work gets done.
I’ve since started doing other things to have some switch off time and try to get a bit healthier, like rejoining my wheelchair basketball team.
Sitting at the PC all day, every day we tend to put some weight on. Which is my next goal once I can start getting up and about as normal again… Lose some weight 🙂
Funny you say about windows being small to stop outside distractions because my son will be moving out soon so I’ll be having an office. I’ve already been thinking of the layout and thought about having my main desk area beneath the window…. Then it hit me about the distractions so I’m going back to the drawing board 🙂
Thanks Donna,
Barry
Barry Wells recently posted..Gravatars, Easy As 1 2 3
Hi Barry,
Do put your desk by the window. Distractions are good! Imaging being in front of your pc all day looking at the wall? Yikes, how depressing! But with a window in front of you, you will be able to receive daylight and nature’s distractions to put you in a healthier mood.
I used to feel like I was in that factory in front of my mac all day and night long. Had windows behind me. You know what happened? I had to take vitamin D from my Doctor!
Now I regiment myself to do some work, get some light, go out at least once a day or just take time out!
Hope you feel better soon,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
I don’t know, maybe I am 😉 I do try to do commenting actively, every day (and of course, time for studying too!). But, I also spend some time watching movies and cartoons (usually before I sleep or when I am tired!).
Not much work with blogging these days (well, not active blog posting, only commenting, so not much motivation to do it. I am still working on the new blog launch plan).
It really helps, Donna. Reminds us of what real hard work and suffering was (compared to our ancestors, we all are really lucky – with how much time and resources are available to us).
I certainly need to get a bit more focused. Thank you for the post, Donna!
Hi Jeevan.
I know you are so busy juggling so many things in your life. I am looking forward to your new blog launch plan!
Thank you,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
What a contrast between those tiny claustrophobic windows and your bright, open beach! I’m sure you don’t have to wonder very long which one of those would make a person happier and thus more productive. Focus is one thing but like you said, blinders are another. People can focus, but we are not meant to live static lives, droning on and on doing the same thing for hours, days, weeks on end. That’s just depressing and then it affects you psychologically and spiritually and you start to be less and less productive.
It’s so important to have a balance between work and play. It makes people more creative, more motivated and certainly happier. I know I get caught in work-mode a lot and I have to remind myself to stop and do something else. I find that those are the times I really get the most done and also feel the best. The more I sit here with my head in work, the more useless I get! There is some point of diminishing return where the more you work, the less you do. I’d much rather re-focus and re-balance and do something fun. Thanks for giving me a reason to get up from my desk 🙂
Carol Lynn recently posted..Build A Better Website: Take Your Home Page From Trampoline To Magnetic Selling Tool
Right on target Carol Lynn!!!
I think it happens to most of us. We can get so caught up in front of the screen and not see the light of day that it can get to us. We do become unproductive, stagnant, even depressed.
I went down that road and almost gave up! There was no balance and I, being a Libra, need balance lol.
So I had to re structure myself and needed a bit of help. That’s where my self-hypnosis downloads came in. I had to get into that stubborn sub-conscious of mine and change up my working pattern.
Thanks!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Twitter: PJZafra
October 16, 2012 at 8:32 am #
Great post here Donna. We all need some time for ourselves despite how busy we may be. I gotta say, reading your story about those factory workers made me really appreciate the fact that I’m working from home. Those are the type of jobs that you look forward to the weekend to.
Time flies just super fast. There’s no rewinding it. The best thing we can do is to enjoy and appreciate the time we have at hand. We need proper balance from work and fun. However, if we do what we’re passionate about, then fun will naturally come with work. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Pj Zafra recently posted..Success Is A Process!
Absolutely!
That factory picture kind of stuck in my mind as I thought how grateful I am to work at home. Have my own home office or choose to take the laptop on the couch and work with my dogs around me.
It is very enjoyable and I love it.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Good Morning Donna, GREAT Article. You did trigger my mind this morning and reminded me that I need to give myself a break also. I am sure tho if the people were use to working in those confined areas it was not even an issue. I cannot even imagine what a factory workers job would be like. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Carol,
When I passed those factories, it reminded me when I put myself in my e-factory…I just never took a break! Constantly working in front of my computer until the wee hours of the morning.
I had a wake up call when I realized I was just like a factory worker. It took some self hypnosis to retrain my brain!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Twitter: LeslieLDenning
October 15, 2012 at 10:13 pm #
Hi Donna. This is a very timely post for me. I have realized that I have spent too much time working – like all day, every day. I decided a few days that something’s got to give. I’m going to cut ‘way back on the weekends and do more with friends on the days I don’t teach music lessons. Glad you had a wonderful time on your trip, even if you had some somber thoughts!
Leslie Denning recently posted..Save a Tree … with Adobe Export
Glad to hear you are cutting things back Leslie!
There are so many times we can get overwhelmed or reach the brink of it. As long as we “take action” and asses our time limits, we can do a better job.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Twitter: suejprice
October 15, 2012 at 7:18 pm #
Hi Donna
Wow thanks for the history you have shared here. We sure live in blessed times comparatively.
I love the picture of you too 🙂
I have worked more than I should for much of my life. Now I have more balance. I exercise daily and do “me” things. I need to take more vacations though. I am finding working from home online a bit of a tie as I have not figured out how to keep on top of email etc if I take time out. I will figure it out though as I think there is much more to life than business.
Great post thanks
Sue
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Hi Sue,
With all your experience, I see where you came to a balance. For most it is difficult to do. Especially for the newbie! They seem to reach burn out so much quicker.
Running our own business takes so many hats to wear. The realization is that we cannot do everything by ourselves.
I even tried to farm out some of my work, but that is so difficult because I want my own voice to be there.
So I farmed out those simple daily tasks cleaning, dog walking, etc. It does give me more “me” time.
Talk Soon,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
October 15, 2012 at 7:01 pm #
Hi Donna,
Those people sure had a tough life. I remember how my mother used to tell me how my grand parents had it tough back then. I don’t think that today’s people could do it. We are way too used to an easier life.
While it’s important to work, it’s as important to take a rest. It’s funny how Americans are so hard working people, and don’t believe in breaks and vacations. I’m saying this because it’s so obvious for an European person like me.
Thank you for sharing this with us, Donna 🙂
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..What Is The Law Of Allowing And What Does It Do For You?
Europeans have the right idea Sylviane.
Taking a break in the afternoon to eat the main meal is what our bodies need to do anyway. Taking it slower and enjoying the day.
Americans have that “go go go” mindset. It is hard to break, but through my self hypnosis I have FINALLY overcame that.
You know how self hypnosis works! I know you understand. Sometimes it is the only way to slow down.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Hey Donna, nice pic of you by the way!
My motto is work smart(er), play hard(er)! So I surely get my playtime in 🙂
It is sad to see those types of buildings restricting even a bit of a glimpse into the outside world while working. Every now and then I find myself staring out of my windows when I work. Those are the moments when some of my best thoughts have occurred!
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He Kesha!
Love your saying you live by. We do need to play hard and make the time to do so.
Yes, it’s sad to see those buildings, but a good reminder of how far we have come. The only thing that I do have concern about is that we do so much business in other countries.
Not a pretty picture in most cases. I have a dear friend that worked to make sure the factories were going smooth. Unfortunately, I have heard so many horrible stories. Nairobe has the worst conditions of all, especially for women and children. But that is another blog.
I do my best to boycott. Try to purchase USA only and if not, there is the thrift store. I won’t put a penny into something I have knowledge that people are being persecuted like these factories.
O.K. I’ll stop my rant.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
October 15, 2012 at 4:33 pm #
Wow Donna, thank you for sharing this bit of history with us and yes… A huge wake up call for many.
You know since I live alone with my dog I was prone to working until all hours of the day and night. Yep, sitting in the same chair everyday typing on my computer. Boy my back would start killing me after awhile and then it was time for a new chair.
Oh sure, I would walk everyday with Kayla so I did take a short break but I would eat at my desk, lunch and dinner.
Then we moved my Mom next door and I now take a lot more time to myself. I eat lunch and dinner with her every single day and we walk for about 30 minutes every afternoon as well. I’ve run her to appointments and on the weekend spend the afternoon with her for the most part.
I am enjoying the time I have with her and the much needed time I need away from the computer. I’m proud of the work I’ve accomplished but at the same time, I need time to myself.
Thank you for this reminder and always acknowledgement that we need to do what’s best for us. We didn’t chose to work at home just to be slaves once again to our work.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Taking Responsibility For Your Lack Of Success And Where You Need To Start
Right on point Adrienne,
The best thing that happened to you was moving your mom closer to you. Lets face it, we are blessed that our moms are still with us and must cherish each moment we have with them.
This really got you off your butt didn’t it? lol
Changing chairs wasn’t the answer, but changing your lifestyle was. Kudos to you!
We cannot be sitting in front of the computer for so much time. Our main goal in this business is financial freedom so we need to enjoy it while we are doing it.
Thanks for sharing,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Wow, I knew some conditions were bad, but not like that. How blessed we are to be able to work in air conditioned buildings with gyms and other perks that some companies afford their workers. But not taking time off is suicide. My mom told me that when her mom was coming up she worked under harsh conditions, but times back in the 50’s where not so good for her and many others.
I even did some research on many abandoned factories in Detroit from the many companies that up and left for cheaper labor in other countries and all the people left out of jobs. I can’t say their work conditions were that harsh, but I think those times had a different focus than what we have now.
We are so lucky to take vacations and have the ability to work from home. We truly do have it good and I am glad I have the freedom to be expressive, creative and still have a life outside my job or business. Great post!
Sonia recently posted..How To Customize Your Twitter Header with PicMonkey
Hi Sonia,
As I looked at these terrible compounds of factories, I realized we can confine ourselves in our own businesses. I know and teach people how to take time for themselves, but seeing this really hit my soul. Not only for the past, but also for what one can do to themselves without getting sunshine each day, taking time to do something they want. All without guilt.
It was pretty difficult for me to do a while back. I went through several modalities of regimenting myself, even subconsciously. My self hypnosis worked well. But what did I do with that time I created for me?
I took on another task! I am still working out the kinks to perfection.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Thank you Donna for this reminder. I am the type that tends to focus, focus, focus – not taking enough time to chill out. Happy you had a great vacation and love the pictures that you shared.
Hi Elaine!
I was that way too. But now I found a better way to focus via my self-hypnosis download. I swear by it. It has changed me from the work-a-holic that I’ve always been. Always in production!
I’m more balanced now than ever. I even took a longer vacation than planned to just because we set out on the road to nowhere…we ended up in fascinating places!
Also it had become a spiritual journey. All because I let go!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?
Hi Donna, I think balance is critical…which means looking after yourself in the ways you describe. I am very good at some things…like daily meditation which I rarely if ever miss. However it is rare that I take a whole day off…I tell myself there’s just so much to do…etc,etc. But what’s true is that you will do better at your job and have more to offer your clients if you are a whole person yourself…which means practicing what you preach. Great idea…I’ll join you! 🙂
Celeste Smucker recently posted..Live Younger Longer: Practice Forgiveness
Hi Celeste,
I used to never take the entire day off. But In a previous post I have explained how I am doing self hypnosis and I am now able to do so. Without Guilt, without my mind shoulding on me!
Now I have reached the ability to really focus on what I am doing. Eat the frog…as the saying goes and doing the most important stuff first, then having “me” time.
I find that I am working more efficiently and not a slave to my computer.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Is Your Home Office Like A 19th Century Factory?