I love the adage: "You can't pour from an empty cup." If you've never heard it before, it may just change your life.
There are other versions loosely used - "Don't drown the lifeguard;" "Sharpen your saw" and so forth. Let me explain further.
Perhaps you're a "yes person," or perhaps you just can't say no to anyone. In either case, you may find yourself constantly drained, motivation shot, and wondering if things will ever improve. The solution is simple: STOP.
People, through no real fault of their own, will let you work as hard as YOU want. Really, who would turn down MORE help? If noone objects, if an understanding or a balance isn't established, and especially if it doesn't cost anything, who would stop someone from working more/harder/longer?
Establishing a balance - a healthy balance - for oneself is important. Food that helps you become your best; rest that helps you heal and recharge; Enough sunlight, bright environment, etc. We've touched on all of these before.
You may think it's hard to establish a discipline - a schedule of what-gets-your-energy-when. However, consider that EVERY DAY you somehow make time for eating, sleeping and visiting the necessities - even the hardest worker will spend hours collectively doing these things. If you don't, you will die. Obviously you're making time for what matters most.
Baby steps - don't overhaul your regimine in one day. Try increments. 15 minutes down time here, a quiet moment to contemplate there. Before you know it, you're on the right track!
Once you've established the right pattern and schedule, make what you've reclaimed something important - creative time, problem solving time, self-improvement time - you decide. Make it fixed, non-negotiable and not subject to anyone else's opionion. Only YOU can be YOU.
Beware! The other extreme is the over indulgence of "me time" - indeed, rest is important and unplugging even more so, but be careful not to spend too much time on it. The saw may not go dull, but it could rust out altogether from lack of use.
I'd love to hear how things improve for you! If you've enjoyed reading this blog and want to share your successes, email me to info@tagartcompany.com.