by Christie Mims, City Girls World

SMACK!

Ugh.

Did I really just hit a wall? Really? Again!! *Sigh.*

Working full-time, running a business full-time, and trying to do it in heels left me exhausted for most of 2010. I was tired, rundown, and almost (almost!) no fun to be around. I wanted to succeed at everything and I wanted to do it NOW. I had lost my perspective, my sense of joy, and my ability to stay awake after 9 pm.

It was time for a change. So I did what any self-respecting CityGirl would do--I went shopping for shoes.

And while that made me happy, it did not solve my problems. But it DID get me thinking about doing things I love. And so I began to make changes. I took a hard look at my business and started to restructure tasks and commitments, to free up more time. I thought about what I really wanted to get out of it from a strategic level and made changes that minimized effort, but kept the doors open as usual. And I stopped doing things that stressed me out and yet had minimal positive impact. I either outsourced them, or just...stopped. And that was so liberating! And once I started, it was hard not to keep going. So I scheduled a vacation and turned off all of my phones and computers. And then I started scheduling my week with myself in mind. Yes, I actually had nights where I made a date WITH myself, and treated it like a business event or date with a friend...i.e., something that was non-negotiable and I could not double-book.

And finally, I found something hilariously fun to do to get myself moving. I wanted to take up dancing again, and I did. Who knew it would be with a pole? But I love it, and I am feeling great.

Mostly however, I shifted my perspective on what is important. Business IS important, but not if you miss out on life entirely. And running yourself into the ground is like not sleeping--eventually you crash and burn. So why not figure out ways to do less and try and enjoy yourself more? Cut back on tasks that offer almost no return on investment, take some time out for you on a regular basis, and try something new that brings you joy. For me, right now in this moment, joy involves shoes and a glass of wine.

Cheers!

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Christie Mims (@citygirlsworld) is a cofounder of CityGirlsWorld, a website devoted to the hilarity of dating, romance, and the cities of DC and Philadelphia. She has a love of lipstick and cheap sweet champagne...preferably pink.