The Type A classic scenario

It happened again - I was on a plane from Orlando to Chicago and sat in between two hard working, hard at it, Type A women. This is not unusual, but this time for some reason it made me wonder if this is really the way to success. Is Type A really the only way? Is it the appropriate path to promotion?

After a brief conversation with both women, one was on her way to a conference, working on reading the pre-material that would allow her to be prepared. The other was reading a study module for a Master's class she was taking over the week. Both mentioned in their own way being too busy at the office to prepare for their out of town business effectively. Both yawned during our conversations (I don't think it was a reflection on me) and both mentioned how much they wish they could just take a nap. What is it that makes us drive so hard to acheive? What is the cost of such constant driving and rarely taking a moment, or many, to rejuvinate.

Friends joke with me that if it gets on Monica's list, it gets done, so make not mistake, I am not one to criticize the whole Type A conundrum - the constant drive to get things done at all costs - I am merely questioning at this stage of the game whether or not all the stress of achieveing is really worth it, really healthy, and really the model for success that we all think it is. Maybe every so often, every once in a while, we should... just take a nap.

Until we have the privilege of meeting in person...