The S.O.B. Despises Diversity
Diversification is an invaluable tool in our fight against stress, overwhelm and burnout. It’s the golden rule of investment AND the key to healthy living. In 1952, Dr. Harold Markowitz wrote a groundbreaking paper which launched modern portfolio theory and eventually awarded him the Nobel Prize for Economics. Quite simply, his theories state that a diversified portfolio is a healthier and safer investment in the long run. In other words, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Michelle Mudge-Riley, DO, MHA relates this wisdom to the medical field, saying that “diversifying your skill set as a seasoned medical professional (and even as a resident) may go a long way in helping to mitigate or reduce feelings of stress and burnout. In fact, some studies report quality of life and satisfaction with work/life balance is highest among medical professionals who have interests outside of medicine”.
But this advice is not exclusive to the medical profession. Tim Ferris, author of the 4-Hour Workweek, says that “if your entire ego and identity is vested in your startup, where there are certainly factors outside of your control, you can get into a depressive funk that affects your ability to function. So, you should also, let’s say, join a rock-climbing gym. Try to improve your time in the mile. Something like that.”
Basically, you need a hobby. Any hobby really. Something you’re interested in OUTSIDE of work. Something that you can go to after a less than perfect day where perhaps your boss called you out or you lost your cool or any one of the unsavory traps we can easily fall into when we’re in danger of becoming overwhelmed. You need a retreat, somewhere to go, something to do that refreshes you and resets your ego. A creative expression, if you will. Lisa Ferber, prolific multidisciplinary artist, explains it this way to HuffPost.com, “you are a creative person, so don’t limit yourself to a particular medium, such as painting, writing, or performing…I see myself and all people as unlimited creative forces. I always create out of joy, whether it’s with a pen or a brush or in front of a video camera.”
Whatever your medium, whether it’s rock climbing, photography, running or embroidery, diversify your life portfolio by adding a hobby or two. The S.O.B. monster despises diversity, so use this tool often to avoid our foes stress, overwhelm and burnout.