When do you show up as your best self?

When do you show up as your best self?

Is it at the best time?

In our pursuit of kicking butt in our careers, it’s easy to give all our energy and best selves to our work.

But what are we leaving for ourselves and our loved ones?

Constantly operating at full capacity for work can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and (perhaps most important) a dulled personal life.

I am the first to admit and defend my love for work and am grateful to be truly engaged in what I do.

I can also admit that this engagement and drive sometimes goes too far and gets in the way of other things that are also very important to me.

It’s crucial to set boundaries and recognize the signs when work takes more than it gives.

Here are a few ways to maintain your well-being while excelling professionally:

→ Prioritize Your Tasks - Focus on what’s urgent and impactful. Not everything requires 100% effort.

→ Set Clear Boundaries - Define your work hours, communicate them to your team and stick to the schedule. Your time off is yours.

→ Nurture Your Interests - Engage in activities outside of work. Getting lost in a hobby or "lost" in your own city or town while on a walk or bike ride can increase your energy and spark creativity.

→ Seek Support - Whether it's delegating tasks at home or discussing workload with your manager, remember you’re not alone. Ask for help and take it when it's offered.

If work is "too crazy" to think about cutting back right now and you're fine waiting to focus on health and happiness "later," realize that protecting your energy and carving some time for well-being NOW also boosts your productivity and career progress NOW.

Taking a 10-15 minute walk today will do more for you than responding to a few more emails between meetings.

You are more than the sum of your "productive" moments. Show up for yourself and your health the same way you would for an important task or deadline.

You are the greatest project you'll ever work on.