“The will to succeed is important, but what’s more important is the will to prepare.” – Bobby Knight
Week Six
Here is your opportunity to get totally aware on the ways in which you use your energy. Paying attention to this process is a way to increase productivity by minimizing lows. This will reduce times where you find it difficult to engage because you are running on fumes. You will gain clarity on your boundaries for energy use so you know what is realistic for you over time to maintain vigor and zest. This allows you to be fully engaged in the things that bring you joy and add meaning to your life.
At the core of energy and well-being are your daily habits that promote health.
To be really vibrant these you have to take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Think about how you address each of the following areas during a typical day. Don’t consider what you think you should be doing, or fudge your response; just observe honestly what is currently happening.
1) Your nutrition and hydration –
a. What are your food resources? (In the cupboard, at a local restaurant etc)
b. What is your daily food and drink schedule? (skipped meals, snacking, frequent hydration)
c. How do you primarily select meals, snack and beverages? (taste, budget, nutritional value, convenience, hunger, thirst etc)
2) Your rest and relaxation –
a. What do you do to create space in your day?
b. How do you feel about kicking back? Does your emotional response support quality respite?
c. How is your R and R triggered? (exhaustion, holiday, daily commitment, other people taking a time out etc)
3) Your body flexion and hygiene –
a. How do you take care of your physique?
b. What is your routine for washing and brushing?
c. What is the frequency and duration of exercise dedicated to your aerobic and supple functioning? (This includes all forms of activity including walking, yard work, X-Box Kinect, yoga, swimming, gym etc)
4) Mentally challenging yourself –
a. What is your growing edge? How do you moderate the pressure this puts on you?
b. How do the goals you are working on provide optimal challenge rather than boredom or overwhelm?c. How do you keep the skill(s) you are developing in the zone of proximal development? (In other words, just at the next level from what is automatic, but not beyond your capacity)
5) Nurturing of your spirit –
a. How do you achieve creative expression? (recreation, hobbies, volunteering)
b. What is your experience of your physical environment? (The feel of your home, locality, space and transportation)
c. What do you do to feel good? (experience peace and joy, prayer, mediation, music)
6) Your connections –
a. How do you know that your community of friends and family provide you with quality support?
b. What fun social activities do you do? (To follow your passion and laugh)
c. What do you do to deepen these links?
This investigation allows you to discover how loving you are actually being towards yourself in the ways in which you foster your own health and development. Being introspective regarding your well-being benefits you by raising awareness on how you treat yourself across all areas of your life. You can congratulate yourself on areas where you have plenty of reserve. It also allows you to identify places where you might make changes.