Living One Day at a Time: My Journey to Staying Focused and Motivated as a Working professional
Prakash Narayanan
Strategic Advisor & Consulting Head | Convenor at SSD Sub Committee , Bureau of Indian Standards, GOI
As a working professional, I often find myself juggling multiple responsibilities, striving to stay focused, deliver results, and maintain a sense of peace at the end of each day. Inspired by ancient Indian scripts and teachings, I’ve developed a daily routine that helps me live one day at a time. Here’s how I structure my day to stay motivated and productive.
I start my day early, waking up around 4:30 AM to embrace the tranquility of the morning. This quiet time allows me to engage in mindfulness & deeper introspection for at least 30 - 45 minutes. These practices not only enhance my mental clarity but also set a positive tone for the day ahead. I follow this with a mindful breakfast, prepared with care, which nourishes my body and mind.
To maximize my productivity, I divide my workday into focused segments of about 1.5 hours each. Each segment is dedicated to specific tasks, allowing me to concentrate fully without distractions. I also make sure to incorporate short breaks between these sessions—these moments of pause help refresh my mind and prevent burnout.
Midday is crucial for collaboration and connection. I dedicate time for meetings or discussions with my team, fostering an environment of open communication. During lunch, I step away from my desk to enjoy a proper meal, practicing mindful eating that helps recharge my energy for the afternoon.
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Post-lunch, around 2 PM, I take time to review my progress on tasks and adjust my plans as necessary. This reflection is vital for staying on track. Usually late afternoons are reserved for creative or strategic work—this is when I find brainstorming sessions or problem-solving discussions can be particularly fruitful.
After work, I engage in task or activity to transition from my professional responsibilities to personal time. Dinner is a cherished moment for me; sharing it with my Son emphasizes connection and relaxation after a busy day.
Before bed, I spend about 30 minutes reflecting on the day’s accomplishments and planning for tomorrow. Journaling helps me articulate my thoughts and set priorities. To ensure a peaceful night’s sleep, I practice relaxation techniques like listening to calming music or watching my favorite informative and educational videos or sometimes some comedy. i am in deep sleep by 9:30 pm max.
Philosophical Insights
The ancient Indian approach encourages us to live one day at a time, focusing on the present rather than becoming overwhelmed by future tasks. This philosophy has profoundly impacted my mindset; it allows me to appreciate daily achievements and cultivate gratitude.
By integrating these ancient practices into my daily life, I've found a balanced routine that promotes productivity while ensuring mental and emotional well-being. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your focus and motivation as an executive, consider adopting some of these strategies—I promise you’ll feel the difference!