It’s 4 pm, you had blocked some time to work on one of your top priorities. Initially you wanted to do this in the morning, but you had to reschedule this time due to a last minute unexpected urgent meeting.
It’s now four o’clock. You have a little bit of time to work on this priority, but not the energy.
In this video, I want to share a simple tip to combat “mental fatigue.”
Right now, I’m in an amazing place. Many people have heard about the big red rock in the center of Australia, Uluru. Not far from here is another incredible place called Kings Canyon. The scenery is unbelievable. I’ve just completed a three-hour walk, and the sheer cliffs here are breathtaking.
Recently, I was working with a group of leaders from a global manufacturing company. They mentioned the challenge of protecting time for their “big rocks”—those important tasks best handled in the morning. But sometimes, mornings get flooded with unexpected tasks, and by four o’clock, they’re exhausted with no mental capacity left.
How can they effectively work on their big rocks at this time?
I have two pieces of advice. First, re-energize with a five-minute break. Every hour or hour and a half, have a short break. Go outside for a walk or do something unrelated to work.
Second, change your scenery. I have three spots where I often work: my office, a sofa near a window with a nice view, and a balcony with a comfortable chair and table. When mental fatigue hits, I take a break and then move to a different spot. The change in environment helps boost my energy and lifts mental fatigue.
You don’t need to be in a stunning place like Kings Canyon to fight mental fatigue. The key is to switch up your environment.
So, here’s my question for you: Imagine you have a 4pm appointment with yourself to work on something important, and you’re exhausted. What are your tactics to fight against mental fatigue?
This is this week’s Work Smarter: Live Better tip. I hope you find it helpful. Have a wonderful day as I finish my amazing walk in Kings Canyon.
À bientôt,
Cyril
