November 1, 2009 58 Comments

Grinding vs Clocking – Time and the Overnight Success

This is part 7 of the Overnight Success video series. In this one, I talk about how important taking some time away and replenishing is to your overall success. Some times, we’re grinding (working and really making things happen). Other times, we’re clocking (we’re there supposedly working, but we’re just pushing hours, not really getting anything done). The point of this video is to suggest that getting away from everything is just as important as pushing hours at tasks. You with me?

Can’t see it? Click HERE.

What do you think?

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  • http://www.DavidLMulder.com/ David L. Mulder

    Chris looks like a modern-day Henry David Thoreau in this video.

  • davidlmulder

    Chris looks like a modern-day Henry David Thoreau in this video.

  • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

    I've found that I will be working like such a manic & I'll start getting insanely stressed & unable to make decisions … and I'll realize it's b/c I have not left the house or eaten in *forever* … and the best thing I can do is just get outside, go be among the in real life people, do what normal people do on a saturday afternoon, eat a real meal involving real utensils … and when I come back, everything seems obvious & simple again. Or at least, do-able.

  • sidburgess

    I love it Chris. I took the weekend “off” this weekend. I stayed very busy (school and home repairs) but I stayed off the computer during the day and let my online world just fade away. I feel refreshed and ready to start a new week. In other words, great advice!

    Sid

  • http://brandonsutton.com Brandon101

    Definitely agree. I've been the victim of this myself lately, but I've made it a point to step out and get away from the screen/out of my head when possible. It really helps bring things back into perspective. Thanks for the reminder that I'm not the only one going through this. :)

  • http://website-in-a-weekend.net/ Dave Doolin

    It helps to have someone you can trust to shove some pancakes under the door every once in a while.

  • http://website-in-a-weekend.net/ Dave Doolin

    I've been going pretty much straight through since I got back from Burning Man. I'm ok with it. I think. As long as I don't think about it I'm ok with it…

  • http://www.DavidLMulder.com David L. Mulder

    The hardest thing for me is disconnecting, which may be more extreme than just “getting away”. I can't remember a day in the last few years when my mobile device wasn't within 6 feet of me.

    There was a TED talk recently with a fellow who works for 7 years and then takes a full year off to recharge and do something completely different.

  • http://elizabethpottsweinstein.com ElizabethPW

    That's why I have my twitter peeps, I told them they are in charge of me eating. But, of course, they forget to eat also. #thingsthatareproblems #reasonsineedawife

  • http://website-in-a-weekend.net/ Dave Doolin

    And, now, in the last hour since I watched this video, I've definitely been “clocking.” Dammit!

  • http://www.BrandMyCareer.com Mohammed Al-Taee

    Good Advice :)

  • http://www.lookwhatmomfound.com Rob Babiak

    This video hit home with me. I have been working on a blog redesign and it was really bogging me down and taking alot of time out of the day this past weekend so I needed to step back and replenish myself so I could retackle the task. It still is not 100% done but recharging our batteries sure does help.

    Thanks for the great post.

  • Bridget O'Brien

    I always feel more creative and insightful after having had some time to myself. Great post Chris. Thank you.

  • almcglone

    Chris

    I agree that we all need to take a break in order to be more productive and the location in the woods looks great. My tip would be that we should also make a point of leaving our cameras etc at home to let our minds clear completely otherwise the temptation is to take it out of its place and play…better to enjoy the scenery and chill. Its so easy to slip into workaholic behavior, I know because I've been there.

    infinity and beyond
    Al Mcglone
    ps good sound on your camera. How did you get it? Any tips from any one else?

  • http://tinyurl.com/c3atn4 Ryan

    I am with you 1000% Chris. I've had to lose the idea of doing it all myself. Nobody can. It's called “allowing”; taking a step back, your mind off of your work, and letting your work work for you. Or allowing what you want to have happen, happen, after you've worked at it.

  • http://lava7.com/ Jack Hadley

    Question, Chris… I've noticed lately, and especially today as you are walking through the woods, the way in which you use your video camera. Are you hand holding your iPhone? Using some other camera? How do you keep yourself framed up so well? Do you have some kind of steadycam or glidecam attachment that keeps the camera more steady? Or do you just have a very steady hand? Thanks.

  • http://sazbean.com sazbean

    Taking time to replenish is so important to being able to keep up the grind. Anytime I have a week that's especially stressful, I make sure I take a day where I step away from work. During any particular day, it's also important to step away, even it it's just to walk around the block or snuggle with your kids (or pets). Thanks for the reminder, Chris – and for the beautiful scenery.

  • http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Kevin-Cimring/1583921000 Kevin Cimring

    Hi Chris

    Allied to your very true and important advice is getting enough sleep at night. I am involved in a start-up and have pulled a few “all-nighters”. While this may be productive on the odd occasion to meet deadlines, the truth is it leaves you utterly wasted and you can't function properly during the day when others are fresh and alert. Its not good in the long run, so we should be planning our days and schedules so that we can get sufficient sleep.

    The other quick point is that its no use taking a break if you are still emailing people on your Blackberry/iPhone. How many times have you been at your kid's soccer game (or whatever) and, while watching, you are reading emails or emailing people back. Its important to be present in the moment or else you are nowhere.

    Love these short, sharp videos. Keep 'em coming.

    Cheers
    Kevin

  • Mike Ford

    Yes, I'm with you. Sometimes you have to let the game come to you.

  • http://twitter.com/MattSearles Matt Searles

    lol, I half wanted to leave a comment like this on your post about how hard you work!

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Thanks, Kevin. I agree with your thoughts here. It's not a break if you're still typing and talking. : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I'm holding my Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3k in my hand and walking with the lens facing me. I'm not sure why I'm so lucky with framing. There's a “steadycam” feature on the camera that makes up for uneven terrain. : )

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Hi Al–

    I'm using the best camera I ever bought, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (amazon affiliate link). It beats EVERY camera I've ever used for video. I am in LOVE with this camera. It's the best thing I've ever used for snaps and video, not because it's the best dSLR (it's a point and shoot), but because it's portable, powerful, and very very very good quality for the price point (around $500).

  • http://www.thinklikeablackbelt.com/ Lori Hoeck

    Nice to see you replenishing instead of on the road.

    I've learned there is a certain manic, caffeine-laced, useless hyperdrive state that is my warning bell to take a break. The key is to listen to it!

  • almcglone

    Hi Chris and many thanks for the quick response. The picture is v good and
    Ive looked at some reviews. Is the sound from an inbuilt mike?

    many thanks

    al mcglone

  • http://website-in-a-weekend.net/ Dave Doolin

    I resemble this remark.

    But I've cut back to 1 cup in the morning. It's helping. I can get more work done standing at the table feeling really crappy than being over-caffeinated.

  • Juliesquires

    I agree, Chris. That's why I blogged about “How to Build Trust is Social Media: Wellness.” http://bit.ly/3PJfyC . What camera did you use to shoot the video? I like it. Be well.

  • http://lava7.com/ Jack Hadley

    Thanks, Chris!

  • http://lava7.com/ Jack Hadley

    Thanks, Chris.

  • Juliesquires

    Chris, I agree, which is one reason I blogged “How to Build Trust in Social Media: Wellness”: http://bit.ly/3PJfyC. What kind of video camera are you using? I like it. Be well and thanks.

  • http://www.southplattewebdesign.com Bill

    Mr. Brogan – you hit the nail on the head with this one. Personally I have been grinding for months now – some days have been merely clocking, and even fewer have been recharging. It is very important to find a balance – sometimes things are out of our control, but we still have to fit things in to balance the scales and engage ourselves differently to recharge various portions of ourselves.

    Thank-you for the reminder.

  • http://twitter.com/RicNunez Ricardo Nunez

    When you work at home is even a better idea. spending to much time in the same place and doing the same thing without a pause is a killer. Thank Chris for the video

  • gerardmclean

    This comment is not specific to this video or series, but your walk on and off for your videos. “I'm Chris Brogan from chrisbrogan.com” Consistent and brand-able, right there with Billy Mays “Here's how to order” Vince Offer “..cause we can't do this all day” Video Professor “Buy my product” and George Zimmer “You're gonna like the way you look. I guarantee it.” (there are more, but these are the most memorable)

    Did you consciously think this through or was this something that developed through a happy accident?

  • http://en-gb.facebook.com/robin.mcpherson Robin McPherson

    Thanks Chris. This is something I struggle with. Hours will pass, I forget to eat and I realize I've accomplished little. Taking that small break to relax and refresh is crucial and when I do come back, I get things done.

  • http://www.brandtailers.com Cheril Hendry

    So true Mr. Brogan. Especially when we take time away to serve others and remind ourselves how blessed we are to live in the USA. I just spent 5 days helping starving children in Haiti and, despite jet lag and a challenging emotional re-entry, I'm on fire, focused and ready to work. Who would have thought a trip to a third world country full of starving kids would energize me? But I gotta' make money now to help get those kids fed. No better motivation than that.

  • pat o

    not a bad idea at all

  • http://www.simplyzesty.com/ Niall Harbison

    I thought I was being smart for the last 2 years by working l;onger and harder than anybody else and sure it showed some great results but what you really have to think is after I have been working hard all weekend the guys who had rested up forr the weekend were coming in and killing it while I was as sluggish as hell. Getting the balance right is key but it is no easy task at the start when you want to achieve everything!

  • http://www.nextlevelblogger.com/about Christian

    Being rested is huge. It's important to push hard, true, but it's also important to realize you can get a lot more done in less time when you're rested and focused. Hours are important; productivity is more important. It's essential to not mistake hours for productivity :)

  • http://www.nextlevelblogger.com/about Christian

    Another way of saying it…I used to do 8 am to 1 am daily. that's clocking! If you have the genetics for it, that's one thing. but for me, I've found I can get MORE done by working less.

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  • erikabarbosa

    I couldn’t agree more. I feel it is crucial to take a break every once in a while. Also, it is important to EAT. I feel a lot of times we run off fumes and although we may remain productive, nowhere near as productive as we could be with a little refueling. It is all about a “balance.”

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  • http://www.hdfilmes.tv www.hdfilmes.tv

    I liked the materia valew ai brother and this is surely a portal quality

  • http://www.vancesova.com Vance Sova

    Hi Chris,

    Clocking time is a new term for me but not what it represents.

    I don't take enough time to refresh the way you suggest and I know that it works really well when I do.

    Your video made me realize again that getting out to get some fresh air does make me work better when I get back.

    Thanks for the reminder.

    It's strange how we can fool ourselves sometimes even when we know better.

    Vance

  • neilkevin

    This is an awesome perspective. I think much of what I'm not willing to sacrifice does correlate directly with my fear of losing or failing.

    xmas presents

  • http://www.readitfor.me stevecunningham

    Chris – this is so true. If you are working your face off all the time, It's far too easy to burn out. You don't win the marathon by burning out at mile 20. And if your series has taught me anything, it's that becoming an overnight success is a marathon.

  • http://jennifervalerie.com Fruitfulvine2

    I see the wisdom in this. I'll begin to implement this and check my results.

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  • http://twitter.com/ErikBoles Erik Boles

    The other really valuable component of getting away, which I think Chris is eluding to here but doesn't come right out and say it, is that it will provide clarity. The longer we grind the more tunnel visioned we become and the more granular we become on a single methodology or idea. By backing away and diverting your focus to things you truly enjoy and that allow you to relax: family, kids, your dog or cat, hiking, mountain bike riding, knitting, it doesn't matter, you will find you see your project(s) more clearly when you return, and will often times have an epiphany that would have never occurred to you staring at the screen.

    Erik Boles
    http://ErikBoles.com
    http://twitter.com/ErikBoles

  • http://www.JokoSusilo.com/ Joko Susilo

    Good advice. Thank you

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