Keeping Overwhelm Away
One of the most crucial habits I've discovered in my professional life is aligning my work with my energy levels. While I'm primarily referring to personal style, I've increasingly chosen to avoid over-scheduling myself and to be flexible in my decisions, allowing me to gauge my energy levels more accurately.
In recent years, as I've endeavored to recover from overwhelm, I've come to the realization that my capacity has diminished. Consequently, I've become more mindful of not exceeding my limits and have embraced the practice of delegating tasks to others or relying on my team.
To maintain my energy levels, I've adopted a systematic approach to efficiency, avoiding distractions and getting sidetracked. This includes careful scheduling to avoid filling my calendar excessively and taking regular breaks.
Surrounding myself with tools and resources, such as a yoga mat, stretching equipment, a healthy diet, and even working outdoors on the land or at the beach, serves as a reminder to take breaks. I employ strategies like these to prevent myself from becoming overly engrossed in my thoughts.
For instance, I find it beneficial to walk in safe places and clear my phone messages. I also enjoy taking conference calls in the sauna or hot tub, or conducting research on the treadmill. The more I engage with my body, the better my performance becomes.
Here are some new-age strategies I have adopted to maintain my sharpness:
Disable notifications and distractions during work: This helps me stay focused on my tasks without being distracted by external stimuli.
Limit social media usage and messaging: I restrict my social media usage to once or twice a day and avoid unnecessary messaging.
Communicate my availability: I make it clear to others that I am not always available for immediate communication.
Prioritize email communication: I make it a habit to respond to emails promptly and compose coherent sentences.
Embrace the power of phone calls: In this digital age, phone calls remain a valuable tool for communication.
Be concise and direct in task completion: I strive to be concise and direct in my task completion, avoiding unnecessary jargon or rambling.
Preserve creativity in the age of AI: While AI has undoubtedly reduced our time, it is essential to preserve our creativity.
Be mindful of time: Set an alarm if you find yourself losing track of time.
Integrate movement into your work: Incorporate physical activity into your work environment, such as doing multi-task exercises or walking during breaks.
Limit device usage after dinner: Avoid using devices after dinner, refrain from alcohol consumption, and aim for a good night’s sleep.
I am passionate about learning and developing good habits to enhance my productivity. Often, my most valuable insights come from experimentation, but I also find great inspiration from the strategies of others who effectively apply these ideas. This makes me more accountable to implement intelligent and effective approaches. I consider myself an eternal student, constantly seeking new knowledge and expanding my horizons.
What are your best strategies to maintain your sharpness and high performance?
