Are you a Hazie, Lazie or Crazy?
I was reading the newspaper last weekend and stumbled onto an interesting article that I thought I would share. Bill Butterworth discusses workaholics and the need to understand that a 40-year-plus career is a marathon they’re running at a sprinter’s pace. That’s a race no one can win.
Sadly, they drag their families down with them. And when workaholics flame out, their employers simply say: “Next.”
Bill Butterworth introduces readers to the Hazies, Lazies and Crazies.
Hazies think that their workaholism creates a better life for their families because it means more money. They forget that their presence is essential to family life. Hazies need to focus on a Priorities Triangle: attention (tasks), connection (relationships) and reflection (quiet introspection).
Lazies lack the self-discipline to bring their lives back into balance. They live each day with a litany of “You don’t know what it’s like to . . .” But you don’t have to work long hours if you work smart hours. Lazies need the Endurance Triangle: forecast (to-do list), focus (work the plan) and fun (relax and recharge your battery).
Crazies throw themselves into a task to the exclusion of everything else. Crazies need the Pacing Triangle: learning (what can I learn if, for example, I go to a parent-teacher conference?), labor (how can I?) and leisure (am I taking care of myself?).
As I was reading this article I was hoping there was another category–something like nice guy that works hard. I always thought that if you work hard, work smart, pay attention to the details, never stop learning, continue to push yourself and exceed your goals, the rest would fall into place. Since I need to choose between the three choices I think I have Hazie tendencies.
During the Q&A at a recent conference I was asked what my greatest challenge is day after day. Without hesitation it is balance. I find it very difficult and always challenging to balance a wife, two little ones with a third on the way, work, traveling, playing sports, reading, attending sporting events and of course cheering on (LOUDLY) my Boston Red Sox.
Please give this some thought and let us know what you are. In addition it would be great if you could share some tips on balancing your life.
August 17th, 2006 at 8:19 am
Let me start by saying that my life used to be out of balance rooting for the BoSox, but then I moved to Kansas City, and since so few of their games are broadcast here, I’ve been forced to add balance
I think that if I had the focus and confidence that David Ortiz does at EVERY at bat, I’d be running my own company!
On a more serious note, I recall from my Retail Management days that balance was a big challenge for me. And then I worked for Tim X (last name withheld to protect the innocent), who taught me to ‘work smart, not hard’ as he said it. Tim mentored me well to delegate wherever possible, and to manage people, and not things.
As I read through the categories, I found that I could relate to all 3 at different times in my life, with the one I just described being more like a ‘Lazie’. In school I was more like a ‘Crazie’. I am going to speculate that each one of us has a membership to each of these segments at different times in our lives.
Merrill, thank you so much for the invitation to your blog! Way cool.
b.
August 17th, 2006 at 9:12 am
First, I must say that I have enjoyed reading your blog. I am open to learning new things, exploring other’s perspectives and most importantly looking at things differently! My wise Grandfather once said, “learn something new everyday.”
I have to admit I am somewhat of a “hazie person”. I think the most important thing is to TRY and prioritize each day!! When my ten year old son says, “Mom, I would like you to sign a contract stating you will not look at that STUPID blackberry during MY TIME…!!” It’s just one more reminder that I am not prioritizing very well!! I have to work harder at that!!!
August 21st, 2006 at 10:26 am
I’ve lived in at least 2 out of 3 of these categories, not that I believe it’s nearly that simply to cluster us this way - but then again, this is one of the shortcuts we take in life (and in research). Today, I turn off my cell phone fairly frequently, gave away my PDA (it’s not that dramatic - my cell has all the functions that my PALM used to have), am just as demanding of myself but far less critical and overall appreciate life much more.
August 29th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
Merrill for once I’m glad that I’m older than you. I’m done being Hazy, Lazy and Crazy. You will reach this state of Nirvana someday. Until then, I know you are just green with envy.