There is a definite initial appeal to burning the candle at both ends. You may find yourself in a dark place and by lighting both ends, you can be filled with more light and be able to get more done. In the context of working from home or just working in general, it means that you may have found a way to be more productive in the short run.
However, it is ultimately not in your favor to continue burning the candle at both ends. This is how you can lead yourself to burnout and this can come with all sorts of other issues. For instance, when the candle is lit at both ends, it means that you may run out of wax before you reach your destination.
By only lighting one end and letting it illuminate your path for a longer period of time, you have a greater chance of achieving your long-term goals. Certainly reward yourself along the way, but keep the end prize in mind too. You have to make sure that you have enough reserve wax to get you to the finish line.
Another issue with burning the candle on both ends? There’s a good chance that you’re going to get burned.
It’s easy to get claustrophobic, so to speak, since the fire will encompass you from both directions, giving you very little space to escape their heat. By only lighting one end, you have a way out and you have an easier way to get away from the fire when you need to take a break. We all deserve some reprieve sometimes.
I will admit that I have burned the candle at both ends in the past, but I’ve started to realize the difference between having a strong work ethic and overworking. There is a fine distinction between the two, because you want to complete you tasks, but you don’t want your health and relationships to suffer as a result. Every once in a while, you need to stop and listen to the music, smell the flowers, and sip the coffee. Life is too short to miss out on these little treasures.
Do you find yourself burning the candle at both ends? Or do you have the opposite problem of struggling to find a match in the first place?
If you do what Ed Lau does and work from the coffee shop, even if the coffee sucks you can smell the coffee everyday.
Now, as we all know I believe in face to face socialization. It leads to a more sane population, but there are times you need to just lock yourself up and burn the midnight oil. Just don’t do it for an extended period of time. Short bursts, like a great athlete using energy wisely.