Are you heading into mid-life and noticing that your energy levels seem to be waning? Noticing that you can't just reach into that deep reserve of physical energy that used to be so readily available? This is a reality that most of us fight against. I certainly did!
But what I've found is that this ebb in energy is actually an invitation to step into a radically different efficiency. Once the reality becomes inescapable and we finally begin to turn our efforts away from recapturing lost youth and towards the future, a new vitality comes online. Many of us injure ourselves repeatedly, or get sick, before we recognize and accept this invitation. We humans have a tendency to move into grace kicking and screaming.
What does accepting this invitation mean in practical terms? First, it means admitting that there has been a dip in your energy levels. Once you get real with yourself, you can start caring for your physical body differently: adjusting diet and exercise, focusing on the body's brilliant design, its virtuosity. Start relying less on brawn. Then it means softening those youthful ambitions enough to listen for what is important to you now. It involves actively downshifting and finding engagement in a deeper, wider sense of meaning that then provides you with an unassailable updraft. It's not easy, especially at first. It is essential to your well being. It is after all an invitation into one of life's gnarly, necessary and marvelous transformations.
Making the most of the updraft involves developing the ability to attune to your body, reckoning with a natural sense of loss, and recalibrating to the needs of your spirit. It may lead you to courageously planning and implementing graceful exits and well-considered entrances. This is the work of transformation. It is not magic, though the results can seem magical. It requires being realistic, developing new strategies and garnering significant support. Contact me, I'm not offering you any quick fixes here (No 3 Keys or 10 Secrets) but I can help you accept the invitation of this natural ebb in energy and, using some of the latest intel, move into grace.
Your waning energy is an invitation to soften into a new productivity, to activate a radiant eldership. Turn towards your future and join the party. You will be in good company.
that do work and feel thirst . . .
Do you find yourself longing to be more productive?
What is the one thing that will make the difference if I get it done today?
Check in with your list at the end of the day and take note of all your accomplishments. Celebrate your wins and let them give you energy. Then determine what the "one thing" is for tomorrow and put that at the top of the list, big and bold, before you close up the day. Set it up so the "one thing" greets you in the morning when you start your day. Do the "one thing" on a daily basis and keep repeating. The "one thing" will serve as a magnet, attracting your accomplishments with each daily, "Yes!" that you shout out. You will be amazed at the momentum that putting this simple tip into practice will produce.
This simple tip addresses focusing your attention in the midst of distraction and complexity. Your own productivity challenge may call for a different approach. Contact me for a free initial coaching consultation. To learn more about productivity read on.
So, what do I mean when I use the term productivity? Well, I don't mean just getting things done. Productivity is the result of using your time, energy and attention in concert such that you are sustainably making progress on the things that support your well-being and bring meaning to your life. Productivity is the driver of fulfilling our promise. Being truly productive creates momentum. It gives us juice!
In the weeks to come I'll offer more tips on working with time, energy and attention more effectively. But now I want to explore the four simple truths. They are the foundation of a sustainably productive life. They are "no brainers" but many of us have trouble maintaining at least one of them and when we get stressed they tend to fall away leaving us depleted, unfocused and moody. A productive life is built on a solid albeit simple foundation. Nothing will get you more productive than getting these four in place. Nothing will challenge their dynamic equilibrium more than success. So, let go of doing it perfectly, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the ride!
If you already have one: Commit to it and deepen it.
If you haven't established one yet: Investigate a way to "meditate" that is right for you. There are many methods available for busy people with busy minds from many traditions.
My next posts will introduce the productivity triad of Time, Energy, and Attention. I'll be offering you ways to boost and harmonize these three critical elements to achieve true productivity. In the meantime, try focusing your attention by using Tip #1 to hone in on the one thing that will make the difference, and shore up the very foundation of your productivity by inviting yourself to implement the four simple truths.
If you feel called to action and you want to work closely with me in a program that I design just for you, click here to schedule a free initial consultation.
I hope that you are enjoying these glorious summer days as much as I am!