Guilty or Not?

Everyone spends his time different, what might work for you doesn't work for other. There are a ton of introverted people that would rather stay home and watch television or work all day in an office. Don't take it personally.. thats just how they were raised. I think with everything in life you need a healthy balance, sure sometimes you need to put in some extra work in your IM Projects but when you are done, then its time to sit back, relax and reward yourself for the work that you have done. This is how the brain associates this: -> If i do my hard work first -> I can relax and reward myself after that.


You are truly right, life is to short to not enjoy it or have tons of fun! Work hard, archive your goals but also do not forget that you only have one life. Eventually its all gonna end, and do you really wanna say on your deathbed that you were in the office from 6 AM to 6 PM and haven't done anything else outside of that? Guess not!

A balance is required.

I'm still trying to balance it out for some years and it's pretty difficult. Most of the time I'm doing nothing and than powerwork trough a few months, just to start doing nothing again.

You're right in a way, but I'll play devil's advocate. I also think that at some points in my life, such as this one (for me), an unbalanced life is what I need in order to achieve my goals. I've achieved so much more when I create that constant pressure for myself to be productive, but the most important thing is that I enjoy being productive -- I have ambitious goals, but I enjoy pursuing them.

True success doesn't come without hard work (for the most part), and sometimes, a balanced life has to be sacrificed in order to achieve the success you want. It isn't possible, in my opinion, to exercise everyday, see your friends very often, do a bunch of hobbies, AND be very successful at what you do. But at the end of the day, do what makes you happy -- for me, I know that working a lot at this point in my life is what'll do it for me.

As much as I use it and probably even measure my worth on how productive I am, I realize that I actually kind of hate the word “productive.” As if we can’t live long, beautiful, and healthy lives without having to produce something during our time here. But I guess it’s where we’re at for now. So we do need to work on the balance between doing something to be productive and doing something for the joy of it.

A disadvantage of working from home is that it can be so easy to keep working all hours.
If you have a dedicated office above the garage etc, then you can split between home and home office.

You do need to make time for family, friends, hobbies and interests. Working solo can be difficult if you live and work alone though, as it can make you less sociable and you're almost a recluse. The joys of internet grocery shopping means you can live life without ever needing to venture outdoors, just get your groceries and takeaway junk food delivered and spend all your time sitting in your boxer shorts in front of a screen.

super11 said:

"Life is too short to be productive all the time"

Back in the days, I was all glued to my computer. I lost a lot of my prime years due to this. Had the end-result been as per my desire, I would have not cribbed about this. Anyways, I have no regrets but I do have a realization of what I have lost in the process.

Anyways......with age comes wisdom. Now, I maintain somewhat of a balance between work and other regular life activities. This isn't to say, I go out and party. I am simply not a party person. That's not my personality. But, I do devote time to meet friends. I do love running. So, I spare time for that as well.

I have more friends now than I had 8-9 years ago. A lot of them happen to be my running buddies.

Nevertheless, it all comes down to where it started ""Life is too short to be productive all the time" So, I no longer feel all guilty within myself (like before) for not being productive all the time.............What's your take on this subject... Do you feel guilty for not being productive just like I used to feel in the past?

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For the past 35 years of my professional life I have lived by the motto "work hard so you can play hard" and it has served me well. As others have said there always has to be a balance or the scales can tilt the wrong way.
You should always work to live, as soon as you start living to work (as many of my friends still do) then you've tilted the wrong way.

Good luck though.

Being overproductive has always lead me to burnout which could take months to recover from. For now, I'm trying not to work on weekends and sleep at night. No money is worth your mental and physical health.

gregz06 said:

Being overproductive has always lead me to burnout which could take months to recover from. For now, I'm trying not to work on weekends and sleep at night. No money is worth your mental and physical health.

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You hit the nail on the head, weekends are always for you time (although i did often do a sunday evening when needed). as you say, it cantata so long to recover it often defeats the purpose.

Doing the same hard work on my 18 so when i have 22-23 i can live my own life

Used to work non stop Monday/Friday and weekends if need be and party on the rare occasions I was off but since having children I've found a balance for example weekends are aways family time and no amount of money will change that as at the end of the day you can always make money but you have a short period to make childhood memories for the kids and I want them to look back when there old and remember the fun times with mum and dad not think back and realise dad was aways too busy. Plus I make sure I'm there to see them for a bit before bed and tuck them in. So now days I work 7 till 4pm Monday to Friday then chill with the Mrs and kids then once there in bed I jump online and try and learn more about im and do a few bits and pepiec ect

The most successful people I know, say no to the most things...

Interesting , but when you claim glue to computer do work . You are working 9-5 job ? How old are you ?

For me , well childhood days , to my teens I does go out play soccer , catch spider , etc , good old days in the 80s and 90s , That is when late 90s computer and internet slowly become mainstream , I kinda spend my time mostly at home surf net , chit chat with others, still remember MIRC ? MSN messager ? ICQ ?


well having too much friends don't mean they are " real true friends " got a few good ones already enough. I not a party animal. Weekend actually I prefer stay at home , ever since my friend get marry , everyone go to work full time kindly will meet up
if communicate wise will mostly what app in group just follow a bit

to me One thing I regret most is never understand and spend more time with my dad . He RIP last year. Now left only me and my mum. Do remember when you grow up , your parents also getting older and older. For me now , Just hope my IM projects are all good , at least got money buy good foods for my mum , etc comfort . Spend more time with her.

I feel you also don't forget most important is spend some time with your parents. I know individual got their own family problems well nevertheless , just be happy even you are alone no much friends , etc . I also trying to learn be more happy