You Could be Swinging on a Star

When pigs fly. Quick as a bunny. When the cows come home. Your goose is cooked. The hair of the dog that bit you. When doves cry. Stubborn as a mule. Sly as a fox. Free as a bird. Hungry as a bear. The memory of an elephant. Soaring like an eagle. A lion's pride. Busy as a bee. A bum steer. Don't be a chicken. A snake in the grass. Something smells fishy around here. Strong as an ox. A fly on the wall.

Human attributes are consistently compared to those of animals. I suppose this is that sometimes we behave like animals. I, personally, believe this is a good thing. Monkeying around every once in a while, and working like a horse when necessary is what leads to a fulfilled life, one which proves that balancing hard work with the right amount of play pays off.

When we lose that balance, when we shun responsibility or, on the contrary, burn the candle at both ends, we risk losing the focus and stability that is requisite for success - both in business and life. Many have heard me say that I am my work, I am what I do. There have been those that say I am wrong and that I should not equate my worth to a paycheck or number of hours worked. This is not what I do and not what I am saying.

What I mean is that when I put "me" into my work, then my pride is attached and I have a vested interest in intersecting with accomplishment, in reaching my company's goals; this is a reflection on me. Vice versa holds true, when I take my work with me, when I think about work while away, I usually have more clear thoughts, ideas flow and my creative juices are renewed. The energy from both sides of me crosses over and my equilibrium is reset.

Do not be afraid to work hard. Do not think you can succeed without working hard. Do not be afraid to take time off and do not think you can go, go, go without the rejuvenation that play or relaxation affords. It is odd to think that being free as a bird will lead to soaring like an eagle, but it is true, it has worked for me. It can be easy to fall into the trap of laziness or becoming a workaholic. You can have it all, just don't neglect the "all" when you get it.