We often measure success based on the number of tasks we get done in a day. The more tasks we do, the more successful we feel.
This is dangerous thinking that often leads to:
1️⃣ Prioritising quantity of quality; our completed tasks may not actually contribute to our individual, team or company goals.
2️⃣ Completely block booking our calendars:
09:00 - 10:00 Answer emails and messages on Slack
10:00 - 11:00 1-2-1 with Linda
11:00 - 12:00 All hands meeting
12:00 - 13:00 Client sales meeting
13:00 - 13:15 Shove lunch in mouth as quickly and unsatisfyingly as possible
13:15 - 15:00 Work on client report
15:00 - 17:00 Interviews with potential new team members
When we plan our days like this, we leave no wriggle room.
Any unexpected task that pops up makes us immediately feel stressed. "When am I going to be able to get all of this done?"
We reach a tipping point.
So, we work later to fit it all in. At first, it's ok and we manage. But over time, this negative cycle leaves us feeling exhausted and eventually, we burn out.
The solution:
1️⃣ Re-think what success actually is. It's not the number of tasks you complete in the day, it's making sure you are doing the right things, at the right time, consistently.
2️⃣ Expect the unexpected. Get into the habit of keeping 1 hour of work your day completely free. This gives you time to deal with any ad hoc and unexpected tasks that come your way. If you're lucky, it will give you more than 15 minutes to savor every bite of your falafel wrap.
This burnout top tip was curated by everyone at Team Velbi. Well done again Team. 👏
