What crazy person in the world of communications would tell you to stop reading? Me. I've been reading a lot lately. I've read about the job search, what employers are looking for, where the hottest places are to work, how to manage time more efficiently, political news and of course on all the sites I visit on a regular basis that focus on social media. And now I've decided that I am putting down the book and picking up the pen. Or rather, I am putting down my iPad and making some keystrokes. But why?
There was a lot of readying, but for a little while there was very little action.
"Without knowledge action is useless and knowledge without action is futile." - Abu Bakr
So now, armed with knowledge, I am taking action. Creating blog posts, updating my resume, writing cover letters and applying. Yes, I am applying for jobs, but I am also applying myself and the skills I've learned and sharpened. That way everybody wins, me, you, my friends, co-workers and clients.
Perhaps I went a bit overboard to say that you should stop reading, because if I really believed that I wouldn't expect you to be reading this post. If you reread the quote, action is useless without knowledge and I believe reading is a great way to obtain knowledge. But really, it is balance that I am striving for. When I read, I want to write. It is that simple. It is not just writing that I am talking about though; I am also trying to be more balanced in other aspects of my life. Balancing work vs. play, school vs. social and even eating right and working out on a much more regular basis. I've already started and I've noticed several things.
1) I feel better
2) I sleep better
3) I am more productive
4) I am more fun
Okay, so number four could change based upon whom you ask. But because I feel better, sleep better and am more productive I am also less stressed which makes me more fun.
So I challenge you to not get lost in one topic, thought or one action. No, this doesn't have to be a New Year's resolution. But why not give it a shot? I'll end it with one more quote to try and persuade you.
"Work, love and play are the great balance wheels of man's being." - Orison Swett Marden
How do you take action and keep balance? Leave me a comment below, I'd love to hear about it!
- Reed Pankratz