\u201cIt takes struggle, a goal and enthusiasm to make a champion.\u201d<\/p>\n
That quote is from a man named Normal Vincent Peale, author of the book \u201cThe Power of Positive Thinking<\/em>\u201d.\u00a0 It\u2019s a good recipe he\u2019s created, mixing challenge with ambition. But I\u2019d like to suggest an addition:<\/p>\n \u201cIt takes struggle, a goal, and enthusiasm to make a champion, and a good workplace<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n All right, fine, the quote loses its elegance. But workplace is a vital component to success, as many of us know, and not only impacts our employment satisfaction but seeps into all areas of our life. After all, a huge slice of time is spent at the office.<\/p>\n There are many places to work from: the company\u2019s office, the train, the car (think prepping during rush hour), the restaurant or coffee shop . . . but the one place that really combines business with all other areas of life is the \u2018home office\u2019<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Which brings me to today\u2019s blog question: Is the home office a good thing?<\/strong><\/p>\n You might immediately think, \u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n Having a home office is the thing<\/em> to do. All the decorating magazines advertise their home office lines, and if you head into IKEA you can even have their designers plan out your office for no charge (of course, you\u2019ll probably buy all your furniture from them, but hey, they\u2019re good at their jobs).<\/p>\n And maybe you think \u201cYes!\u201d because it\u2019s practical to have a place for bills, and paperwork, and all the issues that arise outside of work.<\/p>\n Or<\/em> maybe you think \u201cYes!\u201d because in a house filled with kids, pets, and a million distractions, an office is a place dedicated solely to your outside life.<\/p>\n So clearly my opinion is revealing itself. I do think the home office is a place that\u2019s useful in a household. Whether you work from home or just need a place just to regroup your thoughts, the home office is a good tool for the well-functioning household.<\/p>\n Now I\u2019ll flip the coin.<\/p>\n Sure, there\u2019s no commute in a home office, no dress code, no manager, and no bad coffee (maybe). BUT<\/em> what about getting out of the house? What about meeting people? What about escaping distractions like laundry, dishes, and daytime television? What about having a place of focus and support? And what about having a reason to dress up nicely, take a shower even?<\/p>\n And then there\u2019s the issue of sleeping<\/strong>. You can have a passion, but is it a good thing to wake up at three am and start working on your projects? While the company is disconnected from your personal life, the ability to return to the home office is ever present \u2013 even on the weekends.<\/p>\n I currently work in both environments. Right now I\u2019m writing from home. Other times I\u2019m at my office and typing between client appointments.<\/p>\n What\u2019s my final word? I\u2019ve argued myself into a: \u201cYes, home offices are a good thing,\u201d but I\u2019d like to add an addition to that eloquent summary: \u201cso long as the work doesn\u2019t take over your life.\u201d A healthy life-work balance is important to maintain.<\/p>\n What do you think? Home office: good or bad?\u00a0 Do you have one, how has it impacted your life? Does it bring peace of mind, or add to the responsibilities? How do you manage your home office routines?<\/p>\n Please share your opinions. We\u2019d love to hear them.<\/p>\n To your success!<\/p>\n Dr Marcelle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cIt takes struggle, a goal and enthusiasm to make a champion.\u201d That quote is from a man named Normal Vincent Peale, author of the book \u201cThe Power of Positive Thinking\u201d.\u00a0 It\u2019s a good recipe he\u2019s created, mixing challenge with ambition. But I\u2019d like to suggest an addition: \u201cIt takes struggle, a goal, and enthusiasm to … Continue