If nothing changes, nothing changes

I’m just cruising back to work after a chunky break in Bali. This was one of the two significant breaks I schedule in my year that are over a weeklong. It's about planning for some deep rest and recovery at the mid-year point so that I can remain energised throughout my year vs starting to run out of steam in the back half.?

Why tell you this??

I’m curious to know where you are sitting with your energy levels as we move into the second half of the year... Are you feeling energised, have you taken a break as well or are you heading into the burnt-out zone??

Importantly, as you tune in now to where you are at, I’d like you to apply the ‘no-judgement-rule'. We all make decisions and choices in how we work based on the expectations we place on ourselves and those we feel from others. For example, I was reflecting on this holiday about my ‘boom and bust’ cycle. I worked my butt off before I went away with program launches, training, community sessions, and coaching.?It’s like I have the resonance of my old conditioning still in my system. It goes something like ‘work really hard so you can justify your holiday’.?

Can you relate??

Or perhaps you relate to the demands we place on ourselves as leaders when we are driven and passionate about what we do we can tend to push ourselves too hard without taking the necessary time off to recharge.?

Getting caught up in the grind?

In my experience, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget the importance of taking breaks to recharge. But I know in order for me to maintain my energy, creativity and inspiration, taking time off is crucial. I’ve come back bursting with ideas, the brain fog has lifted, and I feel more connected to myself and my purpose.?

I’m not na?ve though and I hear from leaders all the time that they feel it's hard to take a break when deadlines are looming, others in their team are on a break or that everyone else seems to be working nonstop. But here's the thing: pushing through without taking proper breaks can lead to burnout and exhaustion. It can ultimately lead to squeezing the joy out of what we do.?

Why we must break the cycle?

I always say, “if nothing changes, nothing changes!”?

That's why I'm a massive advocate for planning out my year with circuit breakers. I like Steven Covey’s language of "big rocks," which I’ve adapted to mean not just the work-related tasks and instead, they include things like retreats, time with loved ones, holidays and conferences and events that provide new growth, fresh energy and inspiration.?

So, as we move into the second half of the year take this as a moment to get intentional about breaking the ‘grindy’ cycle if you are in it. Let’s get focused on you bringing more joy and energy into your work and life.?

My 3 Top Tips to Having a Luminous H2?

?? Tip 1: Find your Keystone Habit??

One of the most effective ways to manage your energy better is by prioritizing self-care. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It involves getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising regularly, meditating, and doing activities that bring you joy and relaxation. When you prioritize self-care, you'll be better equipped to handle the demands of your job, remain resilient and avoid burnout. But big disclaimer here, don’t feel like you have to do all of these things! Just pick the one that if you can do it every day, creates the biggest energy ripple in your life. In our Resilience Trainings we call this ‘The Keystone Habit’. For me that’s a morning walk. Even if I wake up in a funk (hello Monday morning yesterday trying to get out of bed after nearly 3-weeks off), getting out into nature breaks the mood, shifts my perspective and puts a pep in my step!?

?? Tip 2: Break the circuits?

Just this morning, before writing this, I was out for a walk with a girlfriend and she asked me whether I was around later in the month for an event she wanted to attend, my reply ‘no I’m away’ she said to me ‘you are always away!’ To which I replied, ‘yes because I need regular circuit breakers!’?

As a leader, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and forget to take breaks. However, taking regular breaks can help us shift gears and jump us into new worlds that break the cycle of busy. Don’t’ leave this to chance, plan it as it’s crucial for maintaining your energy and preventing burnout. Plan this into your day’s as well - take short breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk around, and clear your mind. Take longer breaks, like weekends or quarterly vacations, to disconnect from work and recharge. When you come back to work, you'll be refreshed and energized, ready to take on new challenges.?

?? Tip 3: Boundaries Baby!?

Setting boundaries is another important aspect of managing your energy better. It means being clear about your limits, figuring out what is and isn’t ok and importantly, communicating them to others. For example, if you have a family vacation planned, communicate to your team in advance that you'll be unavailable during that time. We had an extended handover-planning session and agreed how to handle different queries so they could respond on my behalf. With a good bit of planning and clear boundaries it increases your comfort to really switch off.?

So, there you have it - some tips on how to manage your energy better to avoid burnout and overwhelm. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's necessary for you to be the best leader you can be. If you're feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, take a step back and ask yourself ‘what do I need to give myself permission for to prioritize my well-being?’?

In fact, I’d love to hear your answer...please feel free to reach out and let me know what this might be and any ideas that have come through that can help you set yourself up for a stellar H2!??