We are all guilty of pushing ourselves too hard sometimes. Maybe you’ve been putting in extra time at work recently, so you know why you feel like the walking dead, but maybe you’re just in a funk?
You may have been overextending yourself for a while now, and are feeling the effects of burnout without even knowing it.
If you’ve fallen in to a bad habit of overworking and not resting and refuelling as you should, you need to take action. Your body and mind need to be operating at their peak in order for you to get where you want to be, and you won’t be able to function as you should when you’re worn out.
Having a system in place to deal with this issue will ensure you are working smarter rather than harder, and you’re doing your best work at any given moment. More hours at your desk doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting more done. If you’re too tired to think straight, you’re likely just wasting time.
Identify Your Motivations
What should you be spending your time on? Once you know why you’re doing what you’re doing, the task in front of you will become a lot easier to manage. Are you primarily concerned with making money? Are you more interested in a sense of personal satisfaction? Do you want recognition?
This concept can be applied to anything you do, even hobbies and recreational activities. For example, when you play the bingo Canada has available, are you interested in winning?
Do you just want to relax? Is the social interaction the most fun? Once you know what you want it’s so much easier to get it!
Take some time to think about it, and you’ll find new reserves of energy becoming available when you’ve got your goal in mind.
You’ll be a lot less stressed out when you’re not simply going through the motions, and have a goal in mind that you’re working towards.
Everyone Has Limits
Acknowledging your limitations isn’t about selling yourself short or not doing your best. It means knowing you’re in it for the long haul, and that there are things you need to be aware of to stay in the running.
Don’t set limits according to what people say you can do, or what you think you should be able to do. Take a realistic look at what’s possible and go from there.
What Works Best for You?
You can’t work 18-hour days all week, or function on just 2 hours of sleep. Working more does not necessarily mean you’re being more productive, and you need to determine how to work more effectively in less time.
Boundaries are vital, and taking an honest look at your work habits and personal preferences is key. Are you an early riser, or do you like to burn the midnight oil?
Do you prefer to get things done in solitude, or are you better in a group? Fine-tune your schedule to fit in with your personality and you’ll start getting more done with a lot less panic and fatigue!