by Ray Martinez
Many of us, whether we are part-time business owners with another job or we run a full-time business, don’t know how or when to take time off of work because we have to keep a roof over our heads and feed our families.
I am a recovering workaholic, and I want to to share with you, “Yes it is OK to take time away from work and take a vacation!”
Years ago when I worked for an insurance company, the trainer said, “The next time you feel too valuable to your company, get yourself a bucket of water and put your fist into it. Now pull it out. you know what happens? That hole is going to fill up.” In other words, the company will go on with or without you.
There are stories I hear from DJs all across the country about how great their businesses are, how their calendars are filled with countless bookings, and how they are making great money. Do those things really define success?
Too many business owners focus on the material things and the almighty dollar, and not what is really important – their family and their health. We all need time off for vacation to rejuvenate our selves so we’re not exhausted from work.
Labor Day week, I was on the East Coast with my friend Luke Renchan, of Luke’s DJ Service in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to do events for his company. After six days of working with him on numerous events I came home exhausted, only to realize I had five events scheduled on the weekend of 9/11.
One of the main reasons I lost my first marriage was because I could not separate my business from my family. I share a true story about it in my book, “Performance Beyond Expectation.” In short, I was in the heat of passion with my wife when my business phone rang. I excused myself to take the call and returned two and a half hours later to find her sound asleep. I thought I could wake her up and resume where we had left off. It did not work out that way. Instead, she turned her back on me and fumed, “I don’t think so!”
Spend the necessary time with your spouse or significant other. She/he deserves and needs it. Work will be there tomorrow but your special someone may not be.
In closing, I want to share an excerpt from Darren Hardy, Publisher of Success Magazine, on ways to rejuvenate yourself.
TAKE:
- at least one, two-week vacation each year, ideally international
- a three-day getaway out of town each quarter
- every Saturday or Sunday off
- one to two hours each day to run, work out and sit quietly
- at least two hours each night off the grid and with the family
Talk about needing a well deserved vacation. I am soon going on one to Italy. No phone, no e-mail, no work. Just time away with my wife – and guess what – we are going to have the time of our lives. CIAO!
Ray Martinez – Unbridled Inspiration
Ray Martinez of Ray Mar Productions in Goodyear, AZ is the most highly accredited individual in the mobile DJ industry.
A 30+ year veteran, Ray’s many accomplishments include:
- 2006 American Disc Jockey Hall of Fame Inductee
- 2003 National Male Entertainer of the Year
- American Disc Jockey Awards; 2001 & 2002 ADJA Southern California Entertainer of the Year
- Author, “Performance Beyond Expectation,” “Music From My Heart”
- Vice President-Board of Directors of N.A.M.E. (National Association of Mobile Entertainers)
- Executive Director, CrossMix-Christian DJ Association
- Lifetime Member-American Disc Jockey Association
- Former National Director of the ADJA
- Former Vice President of the ADJA So. California Chapter
- Ambassador and Endorsed Artist for QSC Audio.
To purchase Ray Mar’s books, visit his website. To contact him, email [email protected].
