Remember who you are
Do you remember who you are?
One of the first things I do when working with new clients is to ask them to reflect on their lives, focusing on the great and challenging moments. At first, they have trouble deciding what to include, but once we get going, the memories flow.
This practice helps you remember who you are when working and the world makes you feel out of alignment, overwhelmed, burnt out, or worse.
Today, we’ll focus on the great moments.
A great moment can be as significant as receiving a work or public service award or something as simple as learning how to ride a bicycle. Here are a few topic areas to get you thinking about what to put on your list:
- Learned a skill
- Interests
- Wins
- Obstacles you’ve overcome
- Jobs
- Travel
- Hobbies & Sports
For example, here’s a portion of my list:
- Published the 2019 Founder Mental Wealth Report
- Co-founded a logistics company
- Published a 400-page yoga training manual for Flexibility Not Required
- Worked with clients located in 3 continents
- Studied abroad for a semester in Sweden during college
- Finished four marathons and three half-marathons
- Raced bicycles at the Major Taylor Velodrome
- Recovered from a pulmonary embolism
Examples of the work part of your life:
- Created and implemented an idea that helped increase sales by 25%
- Hired for a role created especially for me
- Supported/spoke up for a colleague whose idea someone else was trying to take credit for
- Started my business even though I was super nervous
In a world that pressures you to be part of the machine, it’s easy to forget who you are.
That’s where your list comes into play. Use the list to remind yourself who you are during great and challenging times. For example:
- If you’re nervous about an upcoming presentation, review your list.
- If you received an award you didn’t know you were nominated for, add it to the list.
- If you learn a new skill that you first doubted you could, review your list and add the skill to the list.
- Got a performance review in a few weeks, review your list to craft a qualitative and quantitative story that helps you shine
Are you aware?
Burnout is increasing.
“Of 10,243 full-time desk-based workers polled in six countries including the United States and the United Kingdom, over 40% said they are burned out” (CNBC)
Considering the perfect storm of events over the past four years, it’s surprising that the number isn’t higher than 40%.
You may be experiencing some level of burnout right now. Keep in mind that burnout has five stages:
- Honeymoon phase: high job satisfaction and optimism
- Onset of stress: aware that some are being more difficult than others
- Chronic stress: experience stress frequently
- Burnout: physical symptoms intensify / escapist mentality
- Habitual burnout: chronic physical and mental fatigue
What can you do?
Things in your control: Changes in your lifestyle (what you can control) are the foundation. Are you using your PTO? Are you finding ways to take work off your plate? What eating habits do you have?
Things less in your control: There are things that you have less control over, like your workplace. The systems and policies at work could be a significant contributor. If it’s possible to help make changes, then do so. If not, it might be time to look for another workplace.
Bonus: If you run a business that creates burnout, then it’s time for you to evaluate and make changes to your policies and culture.
Until next time
What’s one thing on your list? When you reply, it’s actually me responding to messages :)
If you are more aware now, than when you started reading this issue, please share with your peers and friends. They can sign up here.
Anthony Ware
Principal
AWare Catalysts & Founder Mental Wealth
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