My co-author Mike Naughton likes to remind people in his talks around the world about faith and work that "If we don't get leisure right, we can't get work right."
The immediate conclusion that many people jump to at this point is that they need leisure time to recharge for work, or to rest so they can gain that competitive edge. Our leisure time from taking this view is simply instrumental to helping us build a business or advance in our careers. But, this is absolutely not what he means by his statement. Mike has argued that when we look to non-work and leisure time in terms of "balance" or in terms of "recharging", we are missing the point.
What Mike is saying is that we need to pursue an integrated life. One in which our work and leisure are both guided by the same faith and passion -- toward the same ends. How we pursue our leisure time and how we pursue our work both help create who we become -- in terms of our character and in terms of our virtuousness. Both leisure and work have a purpose and give meaning to our lives -- one does not simply support the other.
The Wall Street Journal today reports on a new study that seems to offer empirical support for Mike's point:
For the study, the five professors surveyed some 4,000 Americans, asking what they did the previous day and then quizzing them in detail about three randomly selected events from the day. Those surveyed were asked to rate the three episodes based on feelings such as pain, happiness, stress and sadness. All this was used to calculate what percentage of time people spent in an unpleasant state....The standout cluster was what the authors label "engaging leisure and spiritual activities," things like visiting friends, exercising, attending church, listening to music, fishing, reading a book, sitting in a cafe or going to a party. When we spend time on our favorite of these activities, we're typically happy, engrossed and not especially stressed.
So don't view your weekend as a time to vegetate and to simply recharge for the week. Pursue meaning and purpose in all that you do in your life.
