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What’s wrong with me?
I love my work. And yet I can feel myself procrastinating. I tell myself I’m going to focus… and not long after I find I’ve been easily distracted.
I push through and try again. And when that doesn’t work… I shift focus to another task, thinking with a change of topic I’ll be able to focus more.
But I can feel my motivation and energy is not where it normally is. I realize I’ve been sitting at my computer for hours without any substantial progress. I’ve been looking for easy things to “react to” like emails and LinkedIn messages… vs. doing real work that will move me forward.
Actually, as I reflect and zoom out more…. I realize my productivity has been slowing down for days now. I wouldn’t say I feel burned out, but I could see it coming if I continued to push.
Ok. It’s time for a break. And not just a 5 min one…
"Rest is not idle, not wasteful. Sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do."
I pride myself on my drive. My consistency. Always making progress.
Being able to push through the uncomfortable is a key strength that enables growth in both myself and my projects.
“Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming…” Dory’s mantra in Disney’s Finding Nemo is a mantra that keeps me going.
And while Pushing Through is an important skill… I’ve come to realize it’s not always the best tool for every situation.
Another skill that I’m still that I’m learning to strengthen is Recharging.
As spring is blooming… I’m reminded that energy and growth come in cycles. Winter (and rest) is necessary for the next stage of growth.
Here are 3 things I’ve learned about Recharging:
1/ Learn to read your energy
Early recognition of the signs that you need a break allows for a quicker recharge. For me, those are procrastination, excitement level, and ability to ‘get in the zone’.
2/ Reschedule… it’s ok
Most things feel urgent… but aren’t actually. In making a commitment to yourself, you’re actually re-committing to those other things by setting a later time, a time when you’ll be more effective and productive.
3/ Give yourself permission
If you feel guilty about taking a break… the break will not actually recharge you, and it totally defeats the purpose. Believe in the power of recharging, the need for it. Give yourself permission and accept that permission. Replace guilt with gratitude.
Like any new skill… it feels hard to do at first.
But the ability to recharge is truly a skill of the greatest leaders.
It’s a commitment that you’re in it for the long haul because the biggest impacts aren’t made overnight.
Happy recharging my friends!
“Rest is not idle, not wasteful. Sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do.”
– Erica Layne
Author and life coach
