Could it be that life is not a sprint or a marathon? That instead, our lives and careers require intermittent sprints with space for rest and recovery in between? According to Tony Schwartz, "human beings operate best when they move between spending and renewing energy" (see below). Many of us feel governed by time, in our work and lives - in some cases measured in 6 minute increments. And yet, as we have all experienced, the value of 60 minutes spent in that beautiful space of flow (completely immersed, focused and engaged) is very different than the value of 60 minutes spent when we are stressed out, exhausted, and/or distracted. So maybe, just maybe, it is worth leaning into some of the things that will put us into that flow state more often - the things that also keep us grounded, steady, and shored up for the next challenge. For me, those things include: enough sleep, quiet mornings, exercise, listening to a great podcast, being with people, and spending time outside. What about you?
Thanks for sharing! Definitely the danger of the current efficiency culture where we become more efficient so we can simply take on more! Rest is vital, recharging is vital - it allows us to work better when it's time to work! I love a good fiction book - can get lost in a good book for hours!!
Love this Amy Binder and this new career focus for you. Well said.
RETIRED- Chief Crown and Executive Director, Regional Prosecutions, Alberta Dept. of Justice
10moGetting plenty of sleep, quiet mornings with my coffee, lots of exercise, and being with people I love and care about. But my go to for living a full life is powder skiing and getting on my road bike.