What I did not do on my Summer Vacation

I recently did something on my vacation that might seem unusual. I was not concerned about what I was going to do, or where I was going, but rather I made the focus of my plans what I was not going to do. It was harder than I thought and more rewarding than I expected.

I made a commitment not to do my job on vacation.

Let’s be honest, between smart phones, laptops, and the ability to be your own hot spot – we take work with us – everywhere. We are consumed by the need to stay connected, to stay engaged. Why? Those who market technology work hard to convince us that constant contact makes us productive and ”cool”. Employers reinforce the message that ever-greater productivity and unlimited access to our work makes us more attractive (i.e. employable).

The result is we have lost the value of the moment. We don’t seem able to stop long enough to consider why or where we are running. I believe that as leaders at any level, we need to realize that this is an issue of trust. Trust in ourselves, trust in those we lead, and trust in those we answer to. A lack of trust results in fear – fear of our own failing, the failing of others, and of betrayal. There can be little hope of rest or renewal, let alone productivity and creativity in such an environment.

So on my vacation I determined not to fear or worry about what I had or had not recently accomplished. No value in that, as those actions are in either the past or the future – and why waste quality time on what I cannot change or control.

I did not worry or fear what my staff might be doing or not doing. I chose to trust in my decision to have selected them for their roles, and to believe that they are and want to be leaders in their own right. I even managed to “miss” a Board meeting scheduled during my vacation, trusting that our partnership and shared vision did not require my presence.

Doing nothing felt so good that I decided to do even less. I allowed myself to let go of most every priority I had along with habits and activities that usually fill my day. And guess what – it worked! I slept better, enjoyed each moment, and felt a clearing of the mind like an attic swept free of dust and opened to a cloudless sky.

For days, I lived in the wonder of the moment and then it was over. Here I am back at the office – and it’s wonderful.

Nothing changed while I was gone – all the same, issues, projects, and work remain. But I changed. I allowed myself to live in the present – to trust those who surround and fill my life. Letting go of this feeling is another thing I plan not to do. I highly recommend you not do something soon.

Steven Murphy
Executive Director

Its a New Year!!

It is the New Year – and like most folks, I find myself making lists. Lists of things that need done, things I want to do, things I ought to do, things other people want done. Over the years I have made a lot of lists, and we have whole industries with strategies and software to help manage our lists – schedulers, planners, time and contact management software. The end result seems to be longer lists, more detailed lists, but less time and less sense of control. Our ability to generate lists and detail has overwhelmed our sense of purpose – why we needed the lists to start with. The result is we miss opportunities that present themselves, because of something on the list – something that upon reflection is not that critical, but it was on the list.

So first on my list this new year – make a new list! To be more accurate – I made another list. But this one goes on top of all the other lists and has no “things” to do on it. It will only have questions – questions that will determine the importance, value and attention items on the other lists will receive. I am still tweaking my new list – but am starting with two basic questions:

1. Is this really required? Not much is – but some things are (just ask the IRS) so if it is — get it done and move on – delay just adds pressure I don’t need.
2. Will it improve or just maintain the current conditions? Improvements get attention – our current condition is not a place we can afford to linger.

But there is always the complication of not always having agreement on what is “really required” or “truly important.” That debate may take place in your head, with your spouse, co-workers, or members of your club. In end to have any hope of moving forward decisions must be made, which start with taking control of the lists in your life.

This reminds me of one of my favorite sayings from the islands – “Always tell the truth – there is less to remember.” So for this year – “Only carry around what is important and required – your load will be much lighter.”

So to all those on my list, adding to my lists – putting me on their lists – I wish you the best of the New Year and that all our important and required efforts are successful.

Steven Muprhy
Executive Director
Sertoma/Hearing Charities of America