As December was coming to a close, I began to think of how I might help inspire you in the new year. I knew I would write something and post it on January 1st.
But it didn't happen.
In fact, January first found me uninspired. I was enjoying hanging out at home with my family and doing absolutely nothing.
I thought to myself, I'll just write something on the second instead.
Guess what? It didn't happen.
What did I do instead?
I stayed at home and hung out with my family.
Fine, I'll write it on the third of January.
Didn't happen.
By now you may be asking, "Joel, what's wrong? Where's the inspiration?"
I'll tell you where it is.
It's somewhere tropical that I am longing to visit.
And that's when it hit me.
I'm toast. In fact, I'm burnt toast.
For fifteen years, I have been building websites, creating products, speaking publicly, writing books, mentoring students and running a business.
And while the past few years have seen some of my greatest successes, they have also been amongst the most difficult.
Growing pains, employee problems, legal issues, and a changing marketplace have all contributed to stress levels that would affect any entrepreneur.
I never asked to be positioned as a "guru." In fact, its a title that I don't feel comfortable wearing.
I've just sought to create products and services that I would personally enjoy. As a result, I've been able to teach others how to do likewise.
Now I get inundated with email, blog comments, tweets, phone calls and other inquiries for joint ventures, questions about doing business, exploring affiliate relationships, and asking if I would come speak or do a teleseminar or webinar.
Don't get me wrong. I am grateful. Truly, I am.
But I'm just a guy with a wife and kids, living in the suburbs and enjoying the blessings that life has given me.
I can't do it all. I don't WANT to do it all. There's just not enough me to go around.
I'm not a superhuman. The only superpower I have is the ability to eat too much of a good meal and follow it up with dessert that I don't need.
And you know what?
I'm fine with that.
If I have had the privilege of meeting you at an event, you're aware that I'm a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy. I don't behave different on stage than I do one-on-one. I value authenticity and find it much easier to just be myself.
If you haven't met me but through my videos or my blog, you may have a sense that you know me. I really try to be genuine. I hope that my work has blessed you in some way.
And with all that said, I DO have a point.
So HERE is the inspiration you may be seeking today...
Life is short.
All too often we "should" ourselves, burdening our already heavy load with even more responsibilities and tasks.
But sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to slow down, to recharge and to make sure we are not "shoulding" ourselves into madness.
I'm excited about the new year and the new decade, but not for the same reasons as in the past.
Yes, I will still be seeking to create cool products and services.
Yes, I will have new books released this year.
And yes, I will be speaking at select events over the next twelve months.
But I will also be paying more attention to the things (and people) which are most important to me.
It will probably mean that I will be saying no to many proposals that come my way.
It will mean that there is no way I can answer the majority of the questions that are sent to me.
Undoubtedly, someone will be offended.
That's life.
How about you?
Are you "shoulding" yourself at the cost of your own sanity?
Do you need a break but have been putting it off for one reason or another?
Is your focus in tune with who you are and who you want to be, or have you got caught up in something that isn't congruent with your true self?
I encourage you to get back to the basics and make sure you are on the right path for your life.
Take some time to reflect and make sure you are taking care of those who have been entrusted to you.
Am I on the right path?
I believe I am.
But I am taking the rest of the day off and calling it good.
Everything else can wait until tomorrow.
Now about that tropical vacation...
Please leave your comments below. I love to hear your thoughts!
Someplace warm sounds good about now Joel. I'm not sure what its like in Colorado right now, but its getting downright frigid here in the Northeast.
Nice post Joel.
You've reminded me why I only work 11 months of the year that month of is so important to adjust the internal compass and spend time on the outside looking in.
You need another trip back Australia :)
Joel,
I couldn't agree with you more. For the last 2 years I have thrashed around trying to find something that works and haven't had a vacation in at least that long. Time to start paying attention to the things that matter.
Thanks,
Tom
Believe it or not, I am inspired by your post. I have been doing too much in the last few years and trying to run as fast as I can most days... and I think I am going to do the same - slow down this year and smell the roses.
Thanks!
Hey Joel,
15 years!!!
15 years of creating..., teaching..., etc.
We are not surprised your "Inspiration Takes a Vacation".
Have a nice tropical vacation and we will wait for you as long as we have to. Enjoy your holiday!!!
Best wishes,
Lena & Dima
Publishers, InternetBusinessBTS.com
Joel,
I appreciate the emails. I realize I get them because I signed up and asked for them. That in itself is a pretty cool concept.
I like to read and act on your advice. Happy new year and I hope you enjoy your new focus.
I'm working on something I think is exciting and I look forward to the day I show it to you.
Thanks for all that you do,
Talis
I hope that my efforts in 2010 to become a more successful Web Developer and to grow my business are worthwhile.. I hope to be relaxing on the beach and just hanging out with the family before I start "shoulding" things..
Family and friends are first and foremost in my opinion... I should be working on client sites, instead; I'm reading emails and commenting on your articles.. LOL back to work I guess...
What can I say Joel?
You've said what needs to be said for the benefit of us all who are, like you, on the Internet Marketing Success treadmill.
Sometimes it pays to get off the treadmill and take a breather. Life is not ultimately about how much money we can make, how many possessions we own, or any of the other number of things that we might pursue. A little reflection on what we are doing with our lives can go a long way in helping us achieve a higher level of satisfaction with our lives.
Well done!
Thanks for sharing something of yourself with us.
Carlos
Hey Joel... I have to admit I reached the same point recently. I felt as if I wasn't just burning the candle at both ends, but I was allowing all the work I was doing to act like a torch (helping to burn the proverbial candle MUCH faster). I felt completely burned out, and I told everyone I was partnering with that I just couldn't do anymore for a bit... I needed 'me' time before I crack and collapse.
I've spent the last week doing the things I've wanted to do, and I feel this has helped reinvigorate me; sometimes you just need 'me' time to recoup.
Thanks for sharing, Joel... I know precisely how you feel and will still be waiting to catch your next 'inspirational' post (no rush though ;) )
Best wishes, and hope you (and everyone that reads this) have a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!
-Joe Rosendorf Jr
Conratulations Joel !!!!!!!
You are a human being.
It's normal that this moments happens.
Try to have a rest and funny times and your inspiration will be back with you.
Awesome revelation, Joel! I've been going through the same thing. And I've been thinking the same thing during the holidays. It's been 8 years since I took any time off from my business and I'm ready to let my inspiration take a vacation, too! It's much needed and much earned. Success can wear you out if you don't take care of yourself.
Have a great vacation! You do indeed deserve it!
Me too. ;-)
Exactly. Right on. And what's so wonderful is that you've built a source of wealth that can allow you to do that when you need to. Although, we actually all need to do it (a form of sabbathing), and evidence indicates that when we do, productivity goes up during the time we do work.
Blessings on your break! A time of spiritual and family refreshment....
Joel, whenever I feel like I've lost my mojo I can track it back to a loss of 'me time', 'family time' or 'God time'. Business for the sake of business is no fun in the long run. It's the why that matters!
I loved your post and always appreciate your realness :)
Joel,
Its good to hear you are putting things in the right perspective. I believe we all need to be aware of what it really important to us and focus our efforts in those areas.
We need to be very selective of what we want to do and do what we really enjoy doing. It can be stressful being famous and successful, but when it comes right down to it, are you doing it for the right reasons?
Hey Joel, People will just have to learn that you cant follow every one, blog comments back to every one, email every one,do JVs with every one, for sure your only one person and your family is what counts the most even thou you are a lovable kind guy to a lot of people.For me lam not at the same level of needed or request of from people but l do have a schedule l find hard at times to fit in the 24 hours God has given us,so l can only imagine the difficulty you have of been requested on a consent bases.
To a great 2010 for you Joel and your family.
Joel,
Taking care of "you" first is the most critical part to finding balance in your life. It's the part we business owners forget to put into our busy schedules. We seem to get everything else in there; everyone else's needs; except for our own.
Well, I'll tell you from first-hand experience, when you make the time to "take of you first", everything else in your life falls into place. You work better, play better and get to enjoy life more.
Some may think it's being "selfish", but it's not because when you are operating at the top of your game, the lives of those around you automatically get better. You not only become more inspired but you also become a source of inspiration and wellbeing for others.
I say stop and smell the roses every single day, not just once in a while. Work taking care of you "first" into your daily schedule (even on weekends) for the next 30 days and let me know how it works out for you. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. And, I bet you'll bring greater balance into all areas of your life - family, business, relationships, health, prosperity, et cetera.
Give it try!
All the Best,
Ed McDonough
America's Life Balance Expert™
Great Post Joel,
Something that we all seem to forget sometimes is to take a break. We go to the doctor's office every year to make sure our bodies are doing ok, but we forget to do the periodic "Checkup from the Neckup". It is extremely important to make sure that we all have our priorities properly in place.
While I would love to see you continue to provide the tremendous information and service that you have done over the last 15 years for us, I think it would be a HUGE loss if you worked yourself to oblivion and we lost you forever.
So, do yourself, and us, a favor and go take a vacation. We will all be here when you get back to hear your latest ideas and revelations.
With regards,
Ron
SEO-Gnome.com
I was asked why I gave up a very successful and lucrative 30 year old business (was I crazy? they ask) after being totally burned out and uninspired. A good break, and a reevaluation of what is really important pointed me to a "life" (something I did not have) and eventually to a new profound inspiration that makes me glad to be where I am--back at the beginning where everything was once ahead of me and again gives me new purpose.
Taking a break is not "failure" as some would believe--it is RECHARGING...
Jay
That was just what I also have decided to do. Joel one again Happy new year to you and the family. One of the best things that have ever happened to me was getting to know about your programme. I am not yet quite a millionaire yet, but I have seen a great increase in my revenue after implementing what I learnt. I am also sure that I am getting closer to my aspired millionaire milestone.
It is always great to hear from an honourable internet marketer.
Thanks Joel
Good job you finally figured it out! Too bad you didn't get it on Jan 1, instead of 4. You could have saved all the guilt and just called it "re-charging" instead of "uninspired."
My only New Year's res is to delete a lot of emotional blather that weighs me down--jumping to conclusions is my bugaboo--and it's always negative and wrong 99% of the time.
Thanks for your post a while back about emptying your Twitter account. That was one of the best gifts I got all year...
HNY! Connie Ellefson
clearthespace.com
Joel,
Some years ago I worked like that too. I was runing my own software development company and an 80 hour work week was a short week. Travel was constant and I found myself running into many of the same difficulties you just described.
Then, on one of many business trips, I woke up in a hotel room and my mind was simple a blank. I couldn't recall what town I was in, why I was there or what business I had just visited. That was my wake up call.
Right now I'm in Florida, on the gulf coast, walking the beach. And will be for the next 2 months. I do this every year now and my life and business has never been better.
Selfish? Not taking care of yourself first is probably even more selfish.
Get some time and cut yourself a little slack.
Don
All inspiration comes from self realization. Inspiring things don't come from trying to inspire others, it's by trying to work things out and enjoying them.
Taking time for your self and the family is always important. Maybe you have to check out the 4 hour work week book and smell the roses along the way and learn to say no. I have found that those two letters can open up a whole world of the thing you can never get back and that is time. Time with family,friends and time to do some of the things that you have put off for a long time. Like the old saying. The guy who is on his death bed never says I wish I had spent more time at the office! have a great safe year and THANKS
Great read. I'll be "shoulding" all over myself for the rest of the day. Thanks for the reminder of what is truly important.
You have been in the spotlight for quite a while now. You have shared your knowledge and information with thousands at seminars, webinars, and through your products. I can only imagine how many tweets, emails, and other inquiries you receive on a daily basis from people asking for help, advice, or even JV partnerships.
You deserve whatever break, vacation, or retirement that you're hoping for. Best of luck to you in the future and thank you for all that you've given the Internet Marketing community (so far)!
Very much in line with my New Years Resolution: to remember I am a Human BEING, not a Human DOING.
I guess that applies to you too Joel.
Have a blessed New Year and beyond!
Had the same feeling Joel - then sat and pondered.
No-one else is making me feel that way - I am allowing it - so I challenged myself.
Yesterday I changed - I figured that I cannot carry all the burdens of others who make their own choices for what they do. I can be there - but not carry their burdens.
So a big load was dumped from my shoulders and now I feel free...I look forward to 2010, am enjoying the day. New horizons, new books, website and a load free self. Well done for taking time for yourself - it is one o the past times we all must have. Love your articles thank you.
Good for you, Joel! May you find a fabulous place to relax & enjoy some down time... I bet you'll come back with tons of new ideas and renewed energy! Look forward to what's to come ;~D
I have been were you are. I was in a different industry, Aerospace, high tech, government contractor. I could tell you what I had to do to bounce back better than ever but it is too long for a post.
I can tell you this. If there is just one thing to do, ... it is to follow what is in your heart!!
If you do that you will surpass all of your dreams!
Hi Joel,
I'm really glad that you shared this post. I don't have the same kind of pressures as you but I can certainly appreciate what you're going through. I think, if we're not careful, it's a phase we all go through and as they say...
"Some things are best mended by a break."
And speaking of breaks, someone who takes this very seriously indeed is Stefan Sagmeister. Every seven years he closes his New York studio and takes an entire year off to rejuvenate and revive his creativity.
Here's the link to the video on YouTube
Stefan Sagmeister: The Power of Time Off
I certainly found it very interesting.
And as for that tropical vacation - sign me up!
Best wishes
Nickolove
Joel,
You can try a tropical vacation at Malaysia. Don't let your mind working very hardly. It need some rest after a hard work.
Nothing wrong with a little time away. Taking time away and clearing your head sometimes is best way to spark new ideas.
I had my Sabbatical earlier this year and when I got back to the world I helped to create some great sites for companies and myself. Taking time off is wonderful and it gives you time to think and enjoy everything that you work so hard for.
Growing up I knew a kid who's dad worked crazy hours to provide all sorts of things like 4x4s and boats. How often did they use them? Only once per year, because his dad was working the other 51 weeks.
Hi Joel and Happy New Year to you and your personal family and your online family as well.
The Beatles are to blame! If they hadn't written their song, 'Eight Days A Week,' everyone would still have the '5 days work, 2 days rest' mentality. The Fab Four screwed all that up by introducing the eighth day!
I took the whole of December off, away from the Internet, but not too far. There was too much hype and money grabbing going on, so I chose NOT to participate in most of it. I was readying myself for BIG THINGS in 2010 and beyond in my neck of the woods.
Two Christmas presents I purchased for myself, were 41 Domains/websites from Ian del Carmen and a chance opportunity to have Mark Sandquist personally develop a complete new product package for me which includes 12 months of coaching. I am going to be as busy as a one-armed paper hanger and loving it. I will still find time to relax on the eighth day every week. *smiles*
I know you have 'been there, done that' and I agree that you do need to step back a little and smell the roses plus enjoy the time with your family more. Your presence and input on the Internet is appreciated and I have always had the thought in my head ... "If only I could be like Joel Comm ..." Well, look out world, I may wear smaller size shoes, but my enthusiasm and ideas are, or soon will be, a direct match.
Thanks Joel for being YOU, and for sharing yourself so freely with your Internet 'family.'
John in Australia
Joel,
Fully agree with you. In fact we took a break and went off to India this year for a whole month. It was a very different environment with a different perspective on life out there. In the process, I completely switched off my mind from work but could not help notice that marketing and lifestyle in India is brimming with optimism and a self growing economy that is not dependent only on outsourced jobs.
We also visited many different parts of India and experienced the varied cuisines within the same country. Quite a rejuvenating break and one that we all needed badly. I saw fellow Americans all around :-)
Yes, what you say is absolutely right. We are so busy "shoulding" ourselves and trying to overrotate to get to that comfortable successful lifestyle only to realize that years have gone by with no personal and familial time spent.
Thanks for your honesty, Joel. You're on target. By the way I met you at a book signing in Loveland...and you surprised me at how approachable and real you really were. That's what is important.
Reminds me of that saying "the hurrieder I go the behinder I get!"
Life was meant to be lived...God planned it that way!
Nancy
Sounds good to me Joel, If you need any help with anything you know where I am.
This is a wild post I just made a post myself yesterday, This 2 year old video puts time management introspective. You may have seen it already but its great.
I put the link under my name. >>>>>-----------~^
I have had the lack of motivation blues and I am realizing my time should actually include my family and friends. There is so much to do here in Las Vegas and just haven't.
You enjoy what you have built my friend
Brad West ~ onomoney
i inspired with your blog,
Hey Joel,
Happy New Year! Yeah, you're right. You should give yourself a break and spend time with your loved ones. That's why we are building our businesses online, you have more freedom! Do what you love!
Best regards,
Rick Ng from Penang, Malaysia.
O.K. Joel...now that all the mushy kiss up replies have been posted, glad to hear you're taking a break...somewhat.
I wish many of the top gurus would. It will finally give the rest of us some breathing room, some time to catch up and mop the floor up possibly making room for the new guys on the block...lol, just kidding...or am I...;)
Seriously though we are always looking up and forward to good guys like you and people like your colleague Eric.
You have to admit...I had you going and got your attention and all with my opening paragraph.
Family and the big "G" first!
Peace and please...take all the time off you want!!
D.S.
LOL! GREAT POST! Funny, I actually did the same thing myself...chilled out with my family and stayed in PJs most of the day...it was great...the last time I hung around in PJs all day was when I had surgery this summer. And yes, it is OK to chill, it is OK to take a breath, it is OK to have a ZEN moment and just be! Thank YOU so much for the post...it's great to know and to hear a fellow work-a-holic take a break, and the best part is...FEEL GREAT ABOUT IT!
Thank you again for the post and have a prosperous New Year.
Congratulations! As a senior, I can tell you from personal experience, NO ONE on their deathbed said "I should have spent more time at the ofice".The secret is BALANCE between family and career and FAMILY must come first, because today kids grow up and most move away to wherever their opportunities show up. I have one in L.A., one in Reno and one in Las Vegas, all doing extremely well in their careers, but if I want to see them I have to go THERE. (I have my younger son who is still in Ohio but an hour's drive away too.
Re: The work overload, take a hint form a very famous author who built his very large organization with One very important RULE: NO ONE can ever get a promotion UNTIL they train THEIR replacement on the JOB! To you this means to start to master the art of delegation and GET help! You can come up with the great ideas but get someone else to do most of the actual WORK. I know this does work, because I built the first doctor owned mini-chain of optical stores in greater Cleveland more that forty years ago. Within five years I had four other doctors as junior partners,four offices and thirty-five staff members. The rest is history. My life is like a story book with frequent trips and great vacations with my kids when they were growing up, from owning and showing horses for the girls to racing motorcycles and airplanes for my older son and I. He is now the head of Aviation Business Development for TOYOTA MOTORS in L.A. My older daughter Terri Jay is a psychic messenger, developed when she taught handicapped children to ride horses in Reno Nevada. My youngest, Robin Jay OWNS the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, is a very successful best-selling published author and gets paid large amounts to give speeches for corporations. My youngest son sells advertising and he and his wife just built a fabulous home in the country on three acres of land. They also earn a six-figure income. So, I am one proud father. PS I am also a published author. See Amazon, Author, Dr. Erwin Jay I also teach a college level course "Fire Your Boss" for people in mid-life career crisis. Loads of FUN!. I also do stand-up comedy on a regular basis at local clubs. Not bad for an eighty-year old. I know how to have FUN!!
Joel,
I hear you. That's exactly why I decided to become a freelance project manager. I work with small business owners, like yourself, who have found that they can't do it all themselves, but don't want to hire any more full-time personnel. Based on what I've seen from you and some others, I believe I'm going to be busy this year!
Hi Joel,
Well said!!!Happy new Year from Canada. As a recent newcomer to your writing, I am enjoying the refreshing honest approach that you take.
Sounds like you have your priorities figured out right, my friend.
All the best to you in 2010!!
Hi Joel,
Congratulations! Taking the first step to build harmony between your life, family and work can be terribly uncomfortable. I applaud your courage and conviction. You will produce more and better results because you have taken this step. Thanks for being a role model for the rest of us.
Best wishes for the type of success you choose in 2010. It may be very different that the traditional measure of success.
Sorry I didn't respond quicker. I just got back from the beach. So, you think you should take a break, huh? Don't know what to tell you, dude.
I have found myself in a similar spot on a much much smaller scale, but still running on empty.
The pressures of being a "miracle worker" by meeting seemingly impossible goals, deadlines and expectations in addition to constantly "being there" for those with needs can be life sucking.
Constant withdrawals won't last long. Even Jesus found it important to retreat and replenish.
It's important to balance life by surrounding yourself with solid people and places that refill your tank.
Why don't you see if you can structure things within your business so that you can do what Howie Schwartz is planning to do in taking a sabbatical. Sounds like a good way to renew and refresh and come back even stronger.
Liz Nichols
Happy New Year! Take a break and go camping with the wife and kids. Get away from all of this technical stuff and enjoy what God has created.