This week, we’re diving into the practical application of well-being principles using the Wellbeing Design Toolkit. It's not enough to just learn about well-being; we need to actively integrate it into our work and lives.
This newsletter is about moving beyond awareness and into impactful action.
The Gap Between Knowledge and Action
- It’s easy to become overwhelmed with information about well-being. Many architects are passionate about design but might overlook the practical business aspects.
- The Wellbeing Design Toolkit bridges this gap by offering actionable strategies to incorporate well-being into both our projects and our professional practices.
Key Strategies for Action
- Personal Connection: Just as meeting clients face-to-face creates a stronger relationship, use the toolkit to foster personal connections with your own well-being. Identify your needs and make a plan to meet them. This might involve setting boundaries, managing your time effectively, or carving out time for mindfulness or exercise.
- Letter of Intent for Your Well-being: Similar to securing a letter of intent from a client, make a clear commitment to your well-being. Write down your goals and how you plan to achieve them. This should be a documented commitment that you can revisit.
- Project Planning for Personal Well-being: Instead of just planning client projects, schedule time for activities that support your well-being. Just as you would provide realistic timelines for clients, set realistic timelines for yourself, to help manage your expectations and avoid burnout.
- Fee Structure for Your Time: Just as a fixed monthly retainer provides predictable cash flow for your business, find ways to structure your time to ensure that your needs are met. This could mean scheduling specific times for work and breaks, and avoiding the temptation to work around the clock.
- Network with Your Body: Similar to leveraging relationships with contractors, pay attention to your body’s signals. Notice when you need rest, movement, or nourishment. Your body is the first point of contact for your well-being.
- Specialize in Your Own Care: Don’t be afraid to focus on what works best for your well-being. Instead of competing with everyone, focus on your own unique needs. This means prioritising your health and setting boundaries.
- Client Experience for Your Wellbeing: Prioritise your own experience to ensure that you are creating a positive experience for yourself that leads to sustainable well-being and ongoing positive practices.
- Set clear goals for your well-being and document them.
- Schedule regular well-being activities in your calendar. Treat these appointments as seriously as you would a client meeting.
- Identify patterns in your day where your well-being is most challenged and use the toolkit to create new, more positive patterns.
- Communicate your needs to others where possible, to set boundaries.
- Be proactive about addressing issues before they become significant problems.
- Remember that your worth is not tied to your productivity – your well-being is fundamental to your ability to perform at your best.
- The Wellbeing Design Toolkit is not just for learning, it’s for taking action.
- Apply the same planning and care to your well-being as you do to your projects.
- By integrating well-being into your daily practices, you'll create a more sustainable and fulfilling career.
- Well-being goes beyond just managing stress; it involves structuring your life so that you thrive.
Start using the Wellbeing Design Toolkit today to make at least one positive change in your life this week. Share your experience and invite a colleague to join you in building a happier, healthier professional life.
Stay tuned for more insights and tips on how to thrive in the world of architecture.
Let's build a more balanced and fulfilling future together.
PS: You will find the downloadable Toolkit link amongst other products and services in this online page https://links.happierarchitects.com/mainstore
