The American dream is a powerful force. It caused more than 20 million immigrants to come over to the US from the late 1800s to the mid 1950s. It causes American's to work more hours than ever and for over 70% of households to have both parents working to live that dream. At least 130 countries have laws setting the maximum length of the work week, but the US does not. And in the US over 85% of males & 65% of females work over 40 hours per week according to a recent study.
Having goals & dreams is important to keep you focused and motivated, but what's the cost of working all those hours for the almighty dollar?
Studies have shown that more work leads to more stress and a lower quality of life. Yes, there's more money in your pocket, but money doesn't buy happiness; money gives you a short term "high". True happiness lies in moments that you spend with your loved ones, your friends, and doing the hobbies you enjoy. The more you work the less time you have for these moments.
I'm not a lazy person - I work hard, but I also work efficiently. You'll find a lot of accomplished CEOs or business people say they don't track their hours because it's about getting the job done, not the hours. I believe that to be true in a sense, but I also believe in balance. Working 50-60 hours per week isn't getting the REAL job done (for the REAL job - read the quote at the top of the blog again). Personally, I schedule my hours so that I don't go over 45 each week. Now, it doesn't always happen, but I've found that time guideline to give me enough time to do my job well and have quality family time to build great memories.
Stress is the #1 cause of both physical and mental health problems. I would also say that it's one of the top reasons people die too early...think about these killers: heart disease, heart attacks, diabetes, lung cancer. You can trace all of these back to their very first building blocks in a person - stress.
People often over eat when they're stressed. Over time, this indulgence in calories can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, and diabetes. What else do people do when they're stressed? What about smoke or drink? Smoking can lead to lung cancer and drinking can lead to several health problems. Stress also leads to things like anxiety and panic attacks and is also the "trigger" for several mental disorders.
Now, not all this stress is due to work and I know they are extreme examples, but I want to illustrate the point that stress is the major factor that starts the ball rolling in many cases. Stress from work is another form of stress that can get the ball rolling...and with more and more Americans being overworked and over-stressed the number of health related deaths will only continue to go up.
For the sake of your health, find balance. Work hard and be focused on saving and achieving those long term financial goals, but don't forget about the gift you've been given today (the PRESENT - duh). Finding balance between those long term goals and short term experiences that build long term memories is essential to your happiness. Don't dwell on the money, dwell on the memories. When all is said and done what do you want the lasting memory of you to be - that you worked your butt off to become the owner of a company OR that you worked hard and always found time to enjoy moments with your loved ones?
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