#PV - Break It Down!

By John R. Nocero & Sandy Abell

 John: Hi Sandy, I read a great quote this week by Amos Tversky. He said “the secret to doing good research is always to be a little underemployed. You waste years by not being able to waste hours.” I interpret this to mean that you work hard for a time allotment and then you break.

For example, I was working over the weekend – not because I had to but because I wanted to – and I would get a project done, and then go for a walk. Then get another project done, and go out to eat. Another one down and another one down, another one bites the dust and then I would play with the dog.

You get the picture. For me it worked really well that I plan to practice this over the next week. Maybe not as much during the workday, because I have meetings, but definitely next weekend.

What about you? How do you structure your days so you always work while you are fresh rather than when you are tired?

Sandy: Hey John, this is perfect! You and I do the same thing. I find that I’m most productive during the morning, so I focus on getting the harder stuff done before noon. That’s when my brain functions the sharpest and I can concentrate and be creative.

Then, I use the afternoon for the fun or easy stuff. That’s when I take a walk (for my mental and physical health), run errands, answer emails, work in the garden, etc.

Once again, we’re talking about balance, which is so important in all aspects of our life. If all you do is work, you might burn out and eventually become ineffective, and your body and relationships will suffer.

On the other hand, if all you do is ignore responsibilities and play, your work and bank account will probably suffer, and you’ll never have the feeling of satisfaction that accomplishing things will bring.

As you said, balance is the key.