For the past several months, I have been writing a series of blogs about working remotely from a place you love. First and foremost, I am grateful that my career (and my wife’s) allows us this opportunity and freedom. Most people don’t have this ability and I feel appreciative of this fact.
Work-Life Balance: Living in the Present Moment
One of the percolating themes for me about remote work is how our American culture prioritizes productivity and efficiency. We are rewarded for this both monetarily and through praise and ego. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it’s important to see this behavior for what it is. What we give up is living more in the moment and the playfulness and curiosity associated with it. How can we move away from valuing how much we get done versus admiring the magnificence of the world around us? How do we treasure the experience versus the thing?
Working Remotely
Traveling to fascinating cities, historical towns or witnessing the splendor of nature inspires a sense of awe and wonder. It allows us to appreciate the beauty around us. It affords us greater possibility to be inquisitive and to lead with our hearts instead of our minds. That’s a gift.
When we travel abroad, the culture, sensibilities and language are not our own and it forces us to be more in tune with our surroundings and humbler in spirit.
Most of the time we work in fairly prescribed patterns (Monday through Friday and from morning to late afternoon). We take time off for weekends, holidays or set vacations. This has been the model for hundreds of years, since the days of the Industrial Revolution. It was a way for us to recharge and refresh and to hit the ground running upon our return to work.
In much of the West, we have mostly moved from making things to providing services. Most of us don’t lay bricks we type on keyboards. How can we take the opportunity in our changing world to better integrate and harmonize our productive professional selves with our playful and inquisitive lives now that we are less tied to a physical place?
My wife and I have decided and committed ourselves to extended periods of remote work. It is challenging to do so but well worth the effort.
Connecting with Our Clients
In my field of financial advice, we tend to focus on numbers, data and facts whether that is looking at market performance or the success of a client’s financial plan. And that is understandable and valid as we get paid to be financial professionals. We tend to lead with the head and then connect with the heart. But do we have this backwards? Should we be connecting with the heart first or in a greater way? For me this means getting to know who our clients are as people and understanding that their portfolios are only tools to help them experience more enriched and meaningful lives.
Travel helps us get out of our heads and in touch with our curious and playful selves. Beauty, whether through art, nature, architecture (fill in the blank) inspires us and allows us to step away and see the world as something greater than just oneself. It challenges us to be better; more engaged, active listeners and deeper feelers.
How can we expect to lead by example when we ask our clients, “What is truly important to you” if we don’t practice what we preach?
Afterall, connection is what gives us meaning. Connection to people, to nature, to art and to beauty. It’s a big world. Go explore.
An entrepreneur and world traveler, Colorado Capital Management vice president and co-owner Lee Strongwater brings a global perspective to investments and life planning.
Editor’s Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional regarding their individual circumstances. Please refer to our firm’s website for full disclosures and important information: CCM Website Disclaimer
