“Living is not for the weak,” a quote attributed to the DC comic Green Arrow. While this statement may seem over the top, we can all agree that life can be pretty taxing at times; grappling with its unending list of impossible demands while dodging a steady supply of curveballs. Failing to find a way to develop the capacity and resolve to deal with these challenges can quite literally take us to our breaking point.
As someone who often pushes the limits towards my personal growth, I am constantly in search of methods that allow me to keep up with my ambitious personal goals while also avoiding burnout. One of the most effective ways I have discovered is to invest in my myself to replenish my energy. Stephen Covey’s bestseller, “7 Habits of a Highly Effective People,” describes Habit Seven: “Sharpen The Saw” as seeking continuous renewal personally and professionally. He explains the things you should do each day in the dimensions of the body, mind, heart, and spirit to feel rejuvenated so you are able to do your best work. Simple activities such as exercise, eating well, having an enjoyable conversation, reading a book, or watching a movie can have massive positive effects. In doing so, you will find that you are better equipped to help yourself and others.
In the book Leadership: In Turbulent Times, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin chronicles effective ways leaders would replenish their energy.
Abe Lincoln went to the theater over 100 times during the Civil War and was criticized for it. People wondered how he could see a show in the midst of war. For Lincoln, watching Henry IV and imagining himself in the War of the Roses was the necessary escape from politics that created relief from his crushing anxiety. While Teddy Roosevelt was leading the country through challenges of the Industrial Revolution and the burgeoning gap between the rich and poor, he found time every afternoon for a 2-hour tennis match, a strenuous hike, or a wrestling competition. The physical activity complemented his mental labor. During World War II, Franklin D. Roosevelt hosted a daily cocktail party and his one rule was that nobody could talk about the war. Interestingly, it was when he was on a 10-day fishing trip in 1940, before the US entered the war, that he devised his famous lend-lease solution, a way for the US to help the British war effort without violating neutrality.
Whether it involves strengthening your spirit the way Lincoln sought entertainment, or your heart the way FDR yearned for a connection with others, or your body, the way Teddy frequently exercised, they all found time every day for renewal. When you work smarter and not harder, you can view your challenges through a refreshed and positive lens which in turn allows you to navigate even your toughest difficulties.
Q: How do you disconnect and relax when you are stressed or feeling overworked? Share your thoughts with us, we would love to hear!
Quote for the day: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Anne Lamott
How do you restore your energy levels to do your best work?