The True Cost of Always Being On

We live in a world of extremes: never-ending hustling, never-ending achievement, and the incessant push to be "always on." Despite the noise, the most successful* among us have decoded a sublime secret: the power of steady, measured work, complemented by a keen grasp of market conditions and prudent energy deployment.

Consistency is a Virtue

Consider the tortoise in Aesop's fable. Or more commonly known as ‘the tale of the Tortoise vs the Hare’.

Consistency is analogous to a constant drip of water on a rock. It may appear insignificant at first. It can, however, degrade even the hardest of stones over time. Similarly, our everyday behaviours, when repeated with dedication and perseverance, compound into big results. The daily grind, the modest decisions, and the repetitive activities are what lead to mastery and achievement rather than sporadic bursts of intensity and long periods of inactivity.

Managing Market Winds

Is constancy, however, enough? The solution lies in the market's fickle, ever-shifting ways. Being consistent does not imply adhering rigidly to a particular method, especially when the world around you is in motion. It entails being adaptive and agile. It necessitates a thorough awareness of current market conditions as well as the ability to pivot when necessary. You must be ready to change your sails, just like a seasoned sailor who understands the winds and currents, to ensure you're not only moving but moving in the right direction.

Energy Expenditure Calculated

Enter the concept of energy conservation. There is a real enthusiasm for launching new businesses, taking on difficulties, or pursuing lofty goals. However, energy is a limited resource. When used indiscriminately, it can quickly lead to burnout, both psychologically and physically.

What if, instead, we mastered the art of energy economics? We protect not only our energy but also our thinking by knowing when to rush forward with full vigour and when to hold back. The battles we pick are just as important as the conflicts we aspire to win.

Keeping Your Mindset Safe

More than our expertise, our mindset, a complex ecology of ideas, attitudes, and outlooks, often dictates our trajectory. Every entrepreneur, leader, or visionary is familiar with the ups and downs of self-belief. Our energy conservation technique becomes critical during times of uncertainty. We can keep our attitude resilient, positive, and growth-oriented by choosing where we focus our attention, creating boundaries, and deliberately deciding what we consume - mentally and emotionally.

So, how does one connect these threads?

The first point to consider is whether you are actually aware of where your energy is going. An honest self-audit can be illuminating. You can make informed decisions if you understand which activities, interactions, and endeavours drain your energy and which ones energise you.

The second, and equally important, question is: How sensitive are you to the market's pulse? It is not only important to grasp trends, but also to decipher their implications for your trip.

| Task #1

Before we conclude, let us distil this into a measurable takeaway: The 'Energy-Market' Journal. Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to record your energy levels, principal activities, and market perceptions. Patterns will emerge over time. You'll be able to determine whether your actions are in line with market conditions and optimise your energy. This journal serves as your compass, ensuring that your consistent efforts are sensible, strategic, and long-term.

Remember that in our fast-paced world, it's not just about moving, but about moving correctly. With an unyielding commitment to consistency, a great understanding of the market, and smart use of energy, you will not only protect your attitude but also secure your route to long-term success.

Why did I choose to write about this?

For the last couple of weeks, I have been feeling it. I have been searching for a role for the past 5 months. My goals for the next 10 years are to clear the debts I have accumulated, and enter a period of relative stability, for my family and myself. I have scratched the Entrepreneurial itch, and as a consequence, it has cost me some things I was not anticipating.?

Therefore, I took a rest from the job search, a rest from Linked In, and tried to conserve my energy, as it seemed my efforts were relatively futile. Now that the children are back in school and people are back from their holidays, I hope the next month will be fortuitous.?

*?Successful being defined as per Earl Nightingales definition, “Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy goal or ideal.”