Why You Should NOT Power Through the Day…

As many folks in the industry know, sales is not always a 9-5pm job. Some days we start earlier or finish later in order to hit targets.?In order to hit those targets, we tend to work non-stop throughout the day and book back to back calls until our calendars are completely booked solid. “Its good to be super busy. It means I work more efficiently & effectively since I have a fully booked calendar, right?” Wrong.

Like batteries, we need to be recharged. Studies show that taking breaks throughout the work day will actually benefit not only yourself, but your organization as well.

The Benefits of Taking Breaks:

• Reduction of Burnout and Stress: Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout and increased stress levels. Regular breaks help mitigate these risks.
• Enhanced Productivity: Short breaks allow your mind to relax and recharge, ultimately increasing your productivity. A refreshed mind is more focused and efficient.
• Improved Creativity and Priority Assessment: Taking time away from work can boost creativity and provide the mental space to reassess and realign priorities for the day.

Practical Tips for Taking Breaks

Breaks do not always need to be lengthy. Incorporating micro-breaks throughout your day can be equally beneficial. For example, instead of scheduling a meeting from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, consider scheduling it from 3:00 to 3:50 PM, allowing a brief period to recharge before the next task.

Some Ways to Recharge:

• Take a 5-Minute Walk: A brief walk can significantly refresh your mind and body.
• Socialize with Coworkers: Engaging in short, casual conversations with colleagues can provide a mental break and foster a positive work environment.
• Meditate: Even a few minutes of meditation can reduce stress and improve focus.
• Change Your Scenery: Moving to a different location, even within the office, can provide a fresh perspective.
• Listen to Music: Music can be a powerful tool to relax and rejuvenate.

Many might argue that they do not have time to take breaks. However, effective time management is essential for creating the necessary time for important tasks, including breaks.

Jeremy Wright's "Pickle Jar Theory" offers a valuable framework for prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently. Wright illustrated this by using a pickle jar filled with rocks, pebbles, and sand to demonstrate the need for strategic organization in order to fit everything in a day.

If you start with sand and try to fill the rest up with rocks and pebbles; you won’t be able to fit it all because the sand will take up too much room. There is a strategic way to fill the jar in order to make everything fit. The same thing applies to our lives! Instead, here is how you should fill your jar (day):

• First, fill the jar with rocks. The rocks represent your major goals, tasks, and responsibilities. Prioritize these first.
• Second, the pebbles. The pebbles represent medium importance tasks, some of which can be delegated.
• Finally, the sand. These smaller tasks, while still important, can be scattered throughout the day, including meaningful breaks to recharge your batteries.

Reflect on your daily schedule in terms of rocks, pebbles, and sand. By strategically planning and organizing your calendar, you can make the most of your time.

Contrary to popular belief, powering through the day without taking breaks is not the most efficient approach. Regular breaks help prevent burnout and enhance overall performance. By taking time to relax, recoup, and recharge, you can become a more effective and higher-performing employee.

For more insights on time management techniques or to schedule a time management training session for yourself or your team, please reach out to me at [email protected].

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