Flipping the Script: Achieving More by Doing Less

The Power of Planning According to Your Cycle

Hey wonderful LinkedIn community,

Ladies this one is for you.. Have you felt a twinge of hesitation when it comes to setting those New Year's resolutions this year? You're not alone!

Typically, I'm the one enthusiastically charging into the new year, but this time around, there's a noticeable shift in my approach. I stumbled upon a paradigm-shifting insight from Danielle Van De Velde the idea that our true new year might not be on January 1st but March 20th, aligning with the awakening of spring and renewal, as nothing grows in the dead of winter.

It makes sense to me a I started to look into the cycle of seasons and cyclical living which led me down a rabbit hole into the fascinating world of women's cycles and how understanding them might just be the missing link to mastering our goals.

Did you know that our bodies follow a 28-day hormonal cycle? It's like having our own internal symphony, conducting itself beyond the confines of the conventional 24-hour clock. Let's dive deeper into the research, unpack some interesting facts, and explore how this understanding could revolutionize the way we approach our goals.

The Intricacies of Women's Hormonal Cycles: Recent research has uncovered the intricate dance of hormones that women go through in a month. This cycle significantly impacts our energy levels, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being. For instance, during the follicular phase (days 1-14), a surge in energy and creativity is observed, making it an opportune time for ambitious goal-setting and tackling high-intensity projects.

I think we can all relate.. ever found at some points in the month you are unstoppable, everything is easy, you are super productive, get so much done and physical exercise is fun and easy. Then other times, everything is difficult you procrastinate and find yourself with no energy and frustrated you can’t perform at your best.

Inspiration from Athletic Icons: Drawing inspiration from our sports heroes, particularly Serena Williams, sheds light on how top female athletes are incorporating their menstrual cycles into their training routines. This personalized approach challenges the one-size-fits-all model, emphasizing the importance of aligning our activities with our natural rhythms for enhanced performance.

Harnessing Cyclical Productivity:

1. Peak Energy Phases: The follicular phase (days 1-14) isn't just about energy; it's a fountain of creativity. Seize this time for strategic planning and setting ambitious goals. Consider it your personal sweet spot for peak performance.
2. Intentional Rest and Reflection: The luteal phase (days 15-28) signals a decline in energy. Rather than viewing it as a hurdle, embrace it as a period for intentional rest and reflection. This deliberate downtime sets the stage for a more productive high-energy phase.

Real-Life Reflections: Consider those moments in your life when you feel like you're falling behind or struggling to meet deadlines. Understanding your body's natural rhythm empowers you to navigate these periods with self-compassion, recognizing the need for rest and rejuvenation.

Challenging Societal Norms: Let's challenge societal norms together. By openly discussing and normalizing the concept of cyclical productivity, we contribute to breaking down societal stigmas around constant productivity. This shift empowers individuals, especially women, to embrace their natural flow without succumbing to the pressure of a rigid, 24-hour model.

Your Personal Journey Starts Now: Ready to dive in and harness the power of your own cycle? Start by tracking your menstrual cycle, noting energy levels, mood fluctuations, and productivity do this for two months and see the patterns that become clear.

Simple Implementation in Daily Life: Here are some practical steps to align activities with your natural cycle:

1. Strategic Planning: During the follicular phase, schedule important brainstorming sessions and goal-setting activities.
2. Productivity Peaks: Reserve high-energy phases for high-impact tasks or intense workouts.
3. Self-Care and Reflection: Prioritize rest and reflection during the luteal phase for a mental reset. Allow yourself to do less without feeling guilty!
4. Flexible Work Schedules: Consider flexible work hours that align with your energy levels.
5. Communication Styles: Tailor your communication style based on your cycle for more effective interactions.
6. Social Engagements: Plan social engagements during extroverted phases and quieter activities during introspective phases.
7. Task Delegation: Delegate tasks during lower-energy phases and collaborate during high-energy phases.
8. Technology Detox: Consider a technology detox during the luteal phase evenings for better sleep.

Imagine the transformative impact if we were to align just 20% of our activities with the ebbs and flows of our natural cycle. By granting ourselves the space to rest and retreat when needed, we create a harmonious dance between productivity and rejuvenation. This intentional alignment allows us to harness the full potential of our energy peaks, enabling us to achieve not just what is expected but to soar above and beyond in those high-energy stages.

In the Words of Maya Angelou: "We all have our rhythms. When we recognize them and honor them, life can be an extraordinary journey."

It's a subtle recalibration of our approach, that has the potential to revolutionize how we work, achieve, and ultimately thrive. Here's to the power of strategic alignment with our cycles, unlocking a world where doing less strategically paves the way for achieving more.

Have you ever noticed how your energy and productivity levels ebb and flow throughout the month? What strategies do you currently use to align your activities with your natural cycle, and are you open to exploring new approaches? Share your insights below!

#SheThrives #WorkingMums #DoingItDifferently #CycleSync #Matrescence