Picture this: it’s 6pm, maybe even later, and you’ve just wrapped up your workday. What’s the first word that comes to mind to describe how you feel? If you’re like most people I work with, it’s rarely “excited,” “energized,” or “fulfilled.” More often, I hear “exhausted,” “frustrated,” and sometimes even “braindead.”
In this video, I want to share a simple suggestion to help energize your workdays.
I’m in the Hunter Valley – a beautiful area about two hours from Sydney, famous for its wines. I’m here conducting a workshop in a stunning hotel. Ironically, as a curious Frenchman, I’ve never drunk wine in my life – I don’t like alcohol. Not by choice, it’s just my taste buds. Much to the shame of my French family, I can assure you!
During the session, the leaders I’m working with voiced their frustrations. They said, “Cyril, it’s a nightmare. We’re bombarded with emails, invited to endless meetings, and buried under tasks. Our days feel like a rat race, and we’re exhausted by the end of it.”
I suggested a different way of looking at their day by thinking about it in three different modes, or hats: Process, Focus, and Breathe.
Process Hat: When you’re wearing the Process Hat, the keyword is speed. You’re trying to get through as many tasks as quickly as possible. This includes processing emails, tackling admin tasks, and even some meetings aimed at quick outcomes. Ding, ding, ding – you’re on a roll!
Focus Hat: The keyword here is depth. This is about diving deep into a specific topic. It could be a solo session to work on something crucial or a focused meeting with a few others to really delve into an issue.
Breathe Hat: This hat is all about re-energizing. Between meetings, take a 10-minute break to walk around or just relax. Every hour to hour and a half, take a little time to recharge.
The problem I see in most businesses is that people wear the Process Hat all day. They’re in constant speed mode and then wonder why they’re exhausted by the end of the day. It’s crucial to balance your time between Focus and Breathe modes. In fact, I believe these are the most important hats and are so often undervalued.
So, my question to you is this: Do you take time each day to slow down and dive deep into your focus tasks? Do you allow yourself time to re-energize with the Breathe Hat between meetings?
This is this week’s Work Smarter: Live Better tip. Wishing you a wonderful and productive day.
A bientôt,
Cyril
