10 Things to Do When Everyone Else is Working

Ah, you just finished that huge project, gotten that nice big paycheck and have the satisfaction of having another happy client (or customer). Now what is there to do? Get back to the grind, thrive off that big success right away?

Na. This is one of those rare moments that I will say to put work off until tomorrow. Why be an Entrepreneur without the perks?

So instead of doing work today, what can you do? Enjoy the day! The rest of the planet is at work and it’s your world now. Here are some things I do or know other Entrepreneurs do on their days off.

1. Go to the movies. I love movies. But I also have this big pet peeve about chewing. When someone chews with their mouth open I start twitching and my skin starts turning green, muscles bulge out. Okay, so that’s a dramatization but I get very upset and do have very apparent tics when it happens (ask my girlfriend).

Have you ever been in a movie during a mid week matinée? You are the only person in the theater. It’s the best movie experience and it’s much cheaper that what people pay at night.

2. Take some photos. Something fun to do when playing hooky on yourself is to go somewhere interesting nearby and bring your camera. It is remarkable what beautiful things our minds ignores when rushing in the business world. On your day off, try to balance that by finding really cool things and documenting them with photography. Maybe later you can sell them on iStockPhoto. Why fight that entrepreneurial spirit?

3. Go bike riding. This isn’t something I could do right now very well since we had a blizzard last night in Chicagoland and it is currently -20° F with the wind chill outside. But if you live in a place like San Clemente, California (currently 52° F) or some place where salt water will not freeze, then find a trail, or an easily navigable road and go for a long peaceful bike ride.

4. Do something Not-for-Profit. There are always great charities looking for volunteers in your local area, where ever you may live. You could spend the day on yourself (and that is perfectly fine to do) or you can do something to better someone else’s life—even if for just a few hours.

5. Rest and Relaxation. There is nothing wrong with doing nothing. There also is nothing more fundamental in balancing life than some great R and R to offset your hard work. Being an entrepreneur, you don’t always have to wait until Sunday to do this. Why not a Wednesday? As long as you get your work done tomorrow.

6. Write something. Do you like poetry or prose? Either will work. Putting your thoughts, ideas, dreams, etc. on paper can really evoke some clarity on your day off. It is remarkable what you can discover about the world and yourself just by taking a pen and starting to write. Some of my best ideas have come from a little free time and my moleskin notebook.

7. Play around. Act like you are a child again. Play with Legos. Draw a picture (and put it on the fridge). Watch cartoons. You know you want to do it. And remember, the world is yours. Everyone else is too busy at work to notice you so you have no reason to feel embarrassed.

8. Go to a Museum or Exhibit. Another big thing in my life is Art. It is my life in and out of my business. So the Art Institute of Chicago is a good stop for me on a lazy day. Especially if you live near a bustling metropolis, there is so many museums, galleries, and exhibits to enjoy. And when everyone is at work, it is like the museum is all your own.

9. Ride the Rails. In what one commenter described as reminiscent of Richard Branson, I love to learn from people I meet on the Chicago subways. In the day time the subways are safe enough because there are some commuters and it can actually be a relaxing ride around the city. Also, if you take the El track, you can have your own personal tour of the city. It goes all around (at least in Chicago it does).

10. Get Active. I hate that the courts at the gym are always taken during the evenings. In the day however, the gym is like a personal paradise, with almost no people. It’s a lot easier to exercise properly when you don’t have to worry about the embarrassment of stretching in front of people and getting all sweaty. Remember, a healthy body evokes a healthy mind.

Any other tips? Leave a comment below.

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Photo by Michael (mx5tx)

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