The Wonders of Flexible Time

Once in a while something comes up that just cant be ignored; its those times that make me thankful that I have flexibility with my time. Just recently one of those opportunities presented itself and, because I could, I jumped on it: working with the Red Cross near Ground Zero. I have posted an extensive description of that experience, but first lets talk a little about "flexible time".

One of the biggest advantages of working at home is the fact that your time is your own. BUT... one of the biggest disadvantages of working at home is the same thing, so it can be very difficult to leave it alone.

After over 19 years of struggling with this, I must say that I am still on the fence about whether its a plus or a minus. But then again, it really doesnt matter does it? It is what it is. We have to learn to take advantage of it when we can and manage it when we cant. Ive experienced incredible joy taking time off when I could and terrible frustration trying to take time off when I couldnt. Weve all had these trials and tribulations, havent we?

Back to the Red Cross. I was in New York to meet with a mentor and fellow speaker. I found myself inexplicably drawn to Ground Zero and I knew that I simply had to do something to help. Thanks to my time flexibility, I was able to do just that. It was an experience that I will never forget; one that was so rewarding that I want to share it with anyone and everyone. I invite you to visit http://www.TheStayAtHomeCEO.com/redcross.htm where you will find the details presented in the hope that you, too, may have such an opportunity some day and that you will take advantage of it. Because you can.

Are you making good use of your flexible time? Are you using it to do things that are important to you? I know a home entrepreneur in Arizona that works with youths in local jails and is also active with Junior Achievement projects in local schools. She has the time flexibility to do these things and she does.

Then there is the dark side. It can be awfully hard to leave your business alone when it is just a room or two away isnt it? How do you resist that little voice that says, "Just come to the office for a minute"? We all know what happens then; youre already sitting there so you might as well do just one more thing, and another, and another. Suddenly its too late to do anything but go to bed.

There is no easy answer. Awareness of the problem and the importance of managing it is a big step. Sometimes a "trading" strategy helps smooth the bumps. For example, if you take a day off to spend with visiting relatives you get to "trade" that free time for working time a few evenings after dinner. Thats fair, dont you think?

Our time flexibility is one of our biggest assets. Lets use it wisely

About the Author

"Make More Money and Have More Fun" with your small business! Dave will show you how with his FREE newsletter, "Big Bucks in a Bathrobe" sent by e-mail. Visit TheStayAtHomeCEO.com to sign-up, for information on speaking services, or for copies of past articles and newsletters. Comments and/or questions are always welcome at 1-800-366-2347 (c) 2002, A Few Good People, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Dave@DaveBalch.com
http://www.TheStayAtHomeCEO.com