On/off field

When you’re on the field, play as if nothing else matters.
When you’re off the field, remember that the game doesn’t matter at all.
– James Clear

The key to a happy life while being an entrepreneur (or any other job for that matter).

Knowing when to step off the field, knowing when to stop playing.
Remembering the game doesn’t matter as much as you think it does.

That’s the problem these days with our smartphone-driven, always on culture. We never step off the field. When we’re employed, we step in at 9am and step off at 5pm. Once you’re self-employed, the boundaries blur. And before you know it, you’re working nights, weekends, holidays.

Very bad for mental health.
Very easy to burn out.

So far I try to set my schedule to a routine where it’s easy to step off without having to be intentional.

After dinner every day.
Every weekend afternoon onwards.

Initially it was hard. I might not be at my desk but my mind always strayed back to work. But now, after much ingrained routine, it’s easier. I no longer even think about work much during those times.

As always, knowing when to rest, is a skill.