Peak performers focus on getting results, but they recognise this calls for building in times for rest and recovery. Failing to do so can mean they crash and burn.
Looking back, can you recall a specific project in the past when you used rest and recovery properly on the way to getting results?
You may have been writing a book, training for a marathon, turning around a team, leading a project or whatever.
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to describe what you did right then to get the right balance between rest and hard work.
Great workers sometimes follow a certain pattern to achieve their desired results.
They clarify the real results to achieve – the picture of success.
They clarify the key strategies they can follow to give themselves the greatest chance of success.
They clarify the specific things they can do to perform superb work, find solutions to challenges and achieve the picture of success.
Doing their best will be arduous, so they schedule times to re-energise their body and mind. This enables them to perform good quality work and rise to the occasion when it matters.
Different people have different ways of regaining energy. Colin Powell, the former US General, famously spent time in his garage renovating old Volvo cars. You may choose to sleep, walk, listen to music, play sports or whatever.
Today many people recognise the importance of managing energy properly. Tony Schwartz and Jim Loehr described this in their book The Power of Full Engagement.
Here is an extract from The Energy Project website. You can discover more at:
Human beings are not computers
We’re not meant to run at high speeds, continuously, for long periods of time.
Science tells us we’re at our best when we move rhythmically between spending and renewing energy — a reality that companies must embrace to fuel sustainable engagement and high performance.
Peak performers love to work hard, which is part of what makes them special. At the same time they need to take care of their bodies and souls. You will, of course, do this in your own way.
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to do the following things.
Describe a specific project in the future where you may want to use rest and recovery properly on the way to achieving results.
Describe the specific things you can do to use rest and recovery properly when doing the project.
Describe the specific benefits of doing these things on the way to delivering the desired results.
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