David Squires

Editor’s Note: Life is Too Important to Run Like a Slalom Race

Slow down and carve out the time each day for those big, important projects.

Published

15 years ago

March 3, 2009

David Squires Instore March 2009 Issue

WITH THE INCREASING PERFECTION of our ultra-connected, megabit-speed, everywhere-always, on-demand society, many of us are feeling our attention spans breaking into ever smaller fragments.
Life and work have changed — first gradually, but now with increasing speed. It’s changed from mountain trek (ups and downs, peaks and valleys) into slalom run (exciting, fast, but as the run goes on, exhausting and over-stimulating and destined to end in a painful crash).

Here’s what it feels like:

You are the center of the universe, and the universe has just received the memo. Rest is what happens after you close the last e-mail. Quiet is a two-hour drive away. Deep thought feels like too far to dig.

What I’m telling you, and telling myself as much as I’m telling you … is slow down. Go deeper. Life is too important to slalom through it.

Make a block of time (one to three hours) every day for big, long-term “extra mile”-type projects. And remember: just because e-mail and other online communications are “always on,” that doesn’t mean you have to be. Redefine the barriers between your work and the rest of your life. Prune away the “this-that” time that’s not quite working, not quite resting, and as such is neither productive nor restful.

Do it, and you’ll be better in both areas — your life and your work.

See if I walk my own talk by checking out my new blog on our redesigned website.

Wishing you the very best business

David Squires

Associate Publisher

P.S. Congratulations to our new baby, INDESIGN magazine, for taking third place in FOLIO: magazine’s Eddy Awards in the category of Best Business-to-Business Retail Publication.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”