I wrote this post two years ago, but since I loved this guy as a player when I was a kid, I'll probably re-post a dozen more times! Enjoy...
The first time I heard the phrase “burning the candle from both ends” was in a story being told about George Brett, the all-star third baseman for the Kansas City Royals and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer. The storyteller was a former Royal and friend of Brett’s, and was sharing this with us in a very complimentary and flattering way. He simply stated that not many people, including himself, could hang with Brett while out on the town. However, no matter how late he stayed out the night before, Brett was always the first player to the batting cages the next day. He worked hard during the day, and played hard at night.
I was with a girlfriend at the time of hearing that story, and she commented to the group “Imagine how great he would’ve been if he didn’t party all the time.” The story-teller responded, “Maybe he wouldn’t have been great at all..."George needed that balance. He liked to meet people in different cities and buy them drinks. That’s what brought him joy and balance. He was a fierce competitor, and going out at night gave him energy and balance.”
This was about 20 years ago. I heard it at the perfect time in my life – when I was trying to elevate my career by making every decision and action perfect. I was trying to sleep eight hours per night, workout six days per week, eat six balanced protein-packed meals, and form the most beautiful dimple in my tie. I read every magazine article and book I could get my hands on to help me perform better. I never listened to music in the car – a motivational set of cassettes by Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar, or any other virtual coach was always humming along. I would be at the office practicing my demo script before anyone else, on the phones from 8:30 – 9:30, and in the field cold calling until noon. The afternoon was set aside for appointments. My schedule was as tight as a clock … and so was I.
As soon as I heard that statement of “George need the balance”, my life changed. I stopped trying to lead the perfect day and started searching for my balance. A lot of trial and error continues, but I’ve got most of it down – and it wouldn’t make a very good poster at Successories.
In order to strike my balance, and lead my highest performing and enjoyable life, I need to sleep about six to seven hours a night, take a very short nap around lunch time, eat five to six small meals a day, have a drink or two about half the evenings, talk with my wife, spend a lot of random time with my daughter, travel for work about five or six nights a month (less than this strikes an imbalance in my wife’s life), order a pizza and watch a movie every now and then, hang out with a group of friends at least once a week, and always have a fun trip planned. I perform best and smile most when I talk to my mom at least once a week, workout three times a week, and get out on the golf course for nine holes during a workday (not sure why, but this makes me feel awesome). Finally, I need to walk. I sit in an office, conference room or plane most of the week. I’m at my best when I get up and walk around the block every hour or so. If I don’t my creativity and energy level suffer.
Like I stated above, “Have a drink or two about half your evenings” isn’t printed on any motivational poster. However, it’s what makes me tick. I’m at my best when I lead this type of life. When I try for perfection, I don’t tick – my days end up being sort of clunky.
What’s your balance? What are some things you have to do to keep your energy level and joy where they need to be? Once you figure it out, you’ll know when something is missing.
