Refueling for Maximum Performance
IS BEING A WORK-A-HOLIC PRODUCTIVE?
I had a revealing moment today, and I want to share this with all who might be challenged with "getting things done!"
I'm in the process of building my affiliate marketing business, freelance writing and building my own professional website. This may sound like a lot (and it is), but everything I'm doing is inter-related and builds upon each quadrant of my business. I am a landscape contractor and designer, and I create beautiful gardens and retreats, and work with nature on a daily basis, my true passion and what I was born to do!
ARE THERE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL YOU'RE RUNNING OUT OF MOTIVATIONAL FUEL?
Today, after half a day in the field in the extraordinary warm temperatures of Southern California, I was exhausted. I debated in my mind...should I go to my office and just push through? Pushing through is often my default response. However, occasionally, I have abstained from my default and taken a power nap. Today was one of those days!
I pulled into the shade cast by a tall Sycamore tree next to a community park. I rolled down my windows just a bit, so I could feel the soft, gentle breeze flowing through. I reclined my seat, closed my eyes and listened as the breeze flowed calmly through the surrounding trees rustling the leaves just enough to create a quiet nature's symphony that lulled me to sleep.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! IT MAY GPS YOU TO BETTER DAYS!
In 30 minutes, my brain woke up, not as softly as I was lulled to sleep, but abruptly and immediate as though my energy and motivation tanks were overflowing! I was refreshed! I was energized! I was motivated! My creative juices were flowing! I was excited to get back into my day.
Then this thought came to me - my revelatory moment! I was exhausted. My body was yelling at me that I needed to rest. I lost 30 minutes out of this day, but I gained hours in my ability to be productive.
When I'm tired, my creativity is stunted, and when I try to force creativity, my work isn't nearly as attractive or desirable to me or to anyone else.
Motivation totally escapes me when my body has been drained. But rest and/or sleep renews that spirit of motivation within me.
Energy? What energy? Do you mean that fire that lights my soul and fuels my desires for massive actions to produce and move forward? Yep! That's gone too when my body says, "I'm done!"
MY RESOLUTION
I'll listen to my body. When it says, "I'm hungry", I'll eat...and I'll eat healthy. When it says, "I'm exhausted," I'll rest. When it says, "My endurance is low," I'll walk, jog, row, exercise and rebuild any strength I have lost through pushing this aside to "just push through"!
When it says, "I'm stressed to the max!" I'll read, meditate, take a walk in nature, hike, mountain climb or do whatever it takes to calm my body and my spirit and return to the person I truly want to be.
CONCLUSION
I often feel, to meet my goals, to meet deadlines, to meet the agenda I've set for myself, I just have to push through on those days when I feel like not getting out of bed in the morning. I have learned through personal experience to listen to my body and to respond to its needs. Then there is enough time in the day. Then my accomplishments for the day feel like enough. I know I've done my best and this is good enough!
My fuel comes from getting enough rest, listening to inspiring stories, learning to improve, being in nature and being awed from all I learn from her, reading and sharing time with my family. Accomplishments are extremely fueling for me, but filling my cup must come first or I'll have nothing to give to my goals or to those I care about.
We are all different, and we are all fueled by different means. I would love to hear your comments on what fuels you. Let's share and learn from each other.
May we all blaze that trail to our own success - whatever success means to us individually - through means that specifically fuel us individually and as we support and cheer each other on!
Linda Rose
Recent Comments
21
Great words Linda. I have felt like this for the past 3-4 weeks. Have been painting the whole interior of my daughters home. Major rebuild. I sneaked away every 4-5 days, drove an hour home and took some serious nap time just to re charge (and to sleep on a comfy bed rather than on the floor) lol.
Yes we need to listen to our bodies and follow through with what it is asking for - otherwise we tend to burn out. Which I have watched my daughter do.... The past few days - she has not been a nice person to live with - too much stress. I know it will come right once the rebuild is done.
Paula
Thanks for your comment Paula. Good luck to your daughter on the rebuild and to you for being such a supportive mom. Yes, I'm sure things will come right and she'll love you even more!
Linda
Thank you for sharing Linda Rose. Sometimes I just have to lay down for an hour or so but I feel so refreshed after that I can work with new zeal.
Derek
Thanks for your comment Derek. It feels good to know we’re not alone in this challenge. Just thankful to find something that works!
Yep every mid day 3pm, my body screams enough, my eyes slam shut and that is it. 20 - 30 minutes later I am raring to go. Though this was my age, I no longer need to lay down, I can sleep in my office chair sitting upright. Thank god my employer understands me.
Mary
Sounds like you’re in a win-win there! Your boss probably understands why they’re called “ power” naps. Puts the power back into you! Have a great day!
I totally understand. The beach is my place...but power naps work just as well, when I can't get to the beach!
Thank you for sharing your story with us,
Laura
I love the beach too! I lived on the beach for several years and I loved my morning walks. So peaceful and thought provoking.
So true! My brain is useless when I’m tired but I often try to push through and get nothing accomplished. I try to do my writing at night after the kids are in bed and there are some evenings I just need to go to bed or allow myself to just relax.
I understand! Sometimes I plan to get so much done after dinner and I'm too tired to get the motivation to keep going. Those are the times I go to bed early, and the following day goes so much better.
I agree Scott! Pushing through is not always the most productive choice. Thanks for your comment!
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Linda I just read an articular about natures bath and it total made sense. The Japanese believe that nature regenerates and when you where talking about your sleep you pulled your car over opened your window a bit and nature took care of the rest you took a natures bath.
We are one with nature,it speaks to us. You said you listen to your body good for you. Because our body speaks to us also. I have never felt so good as when I work in the garden and talk to the plants..
Working outside I can be tired as all get out but I keep going until I am finished then look around and I can feel a job well done and this makes me happy and rejuvenates me.
I get the same feeling when I am around water, it can be a lake or the ocean it doesn't matter.
Oh ya I am know following and found the post you might like to read it Plant Bath: this is what plants do to you Always a better way
Linda
Thank you again! I'll definitely read the post. I am such a nature girl and I'm excited to learn more about "Nature's Bath!" That sounds like it was written for me! Thanks for sharing it with me.
Linda
Your very welcome Linda and thanks for the follow back hope to get to know you better.
always a better way
Linda