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Q. How do you pace yourself now that you're not in a nine-to-five job?

A. Pacing is the issue. If you try to do too much too fast, you'll burn out. If you give in to the temptation to spend too much time on leisure pursuits, you'll rust out. The best solution I've found comes from the Strategic Coach program developed by Dan Sullivan. The idea is to divide your calendar into three types of days:

• Focus days, when you're focused on producing the specific outcomes that are the living out of your commitments. These are performance days. Like a baseball player, this is when the crowd is in the stands.
  
  
• Buffer days, when you're getting ready for focus days. You're preparing, returning calls, keeping commitments, developing relationships.
  
  
• Free days, 24-hour periods completely free from work-related activity. Rest and regeneration is the only point. I watch movies, get human again, and make time to be fascinated with my wife.
  
  

Why is taking time off important?

To be at your creative, focused best, it's not a luxury but a necessity. Most of us "work tired" most of the time. We lose touch with God and allow our closest relationships to fray for simple lack of attention.

When you're focused, you're intense, sharp. When you're free you're totally free. I'm released from the compulsion to stay on schedule. The Bible calls this a Sabbath. Even God rested after he created the world. Try it. You have permission. It's in the Bible!

Bob Buford, formerly a cable tv executive, is the author of Stuck in Halftime

Adapted from: Stuck in Halftime (Zondervan, 2001) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Eternal Father, time and eternity are one and the same to You. Help me align them in my life.

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