Nothing is More Important to an Awesome Life, and Sustained Productivity, Than Self-Care.
Having said that, I find that self-care can be seen so many ways that it’s easy to set it aside or mistake it for things that are for self but don’t matter as much.
Self-care can be getting your hair done, brushing your teeth, bathing, getting a manicure or facial, and a lot of other things that make us feel good or are part of hygiene. I encourage all of the above, and if they make you feel good, they help. But these are not the ultimate in self-care and they will likely only have a small role in productivity.
The productivity and life impacts of self-care are found in what I refer to as ENERGY MANAGEMENT.
The things I have experienced and taught (I teach this strategy/competency to leaders) that comprise energy management, are the drivers of sustained productivity and success in life, as they are the fundamentals of the health circle in 3 Circles Living.
These things take purpose and discipline and have to be prioritized. This is why I’m focusing on the energy side of the health circle here. Once you grasp that personal energy is essential to your life results (business included) you are more likely to schedule this into your day, and over time receive the fruit of doing so.
It Takes Sustained Energy to Create a Success in Business.
And it takes sustained energy to create a successful life. It takes even more energy to create EXACTLY the life you want. Which I can tell you from daily personal experience, is worth every ounce you pour into it.
We all want lots of energy. Physical, emotional, mental, creative.
You can’t leave this up to chance. You can’t let this be determined by how you wake up, because you don’t wake up the same every day. Some days your raring to go and some days you don’t want to get out of bed.
Energy management has got to come first. It’s what makes you strong.
I live by a routine in the morning. Quiet time, reflection, and spiritual time. Journaling, exercising, consumption of large amounts of potent nutrients, and personal and professional development. It’s not optional, because it brings the energy regardless of how I wake up. We just spent a week in Punta Cana at a wonderful all-inclusive resort as part of a leadership retreat for the Lifeplus community of which I have been a member for 27 years. We had a blast! Ate great food, enjoyed a few adult beverages, swam in the ocean, played on the beach, and spent time in conversation with amazing people who are the kind that feed your soul. Despite being a “mostly” vacation, I did the same thing I do every morning. Location doesn’t matter. Commitment does.
Another Crucial Area of Energy Management is Minimizing What and Who Stresses You.
And maximizing what brings you peace.
Peace is one of my primary values. Along with health, relationships, freedom, making a contribution and serving those in need, and a few others. By minimizing who and what robs my peace, aka causes stress or negative vibes, while doing the above routine, and always staying true to my value system, I enjoy a very peaceful existence (which, given my natural anxiety requires a great deal of purpose).
I don’t let the media put anything into my head. They are energy robbers. I don’t spend time around anyone I can’t trust or that is overtly negative. They are energy robbers, and worse.
On the flip side of this, is that I put my energy into the relationships that matter. My wife Melanie comes first, then my children, then my cherished friendships, then the communities I serve, and then my business relationships. This not only builds energy, but brings peace and joy which magnifies your personal energy when in the presence of others. I talk a bit about this in How to Become a Rock in the Winds of Life – Todd Burrier.
Another aspect of this strategy is something I call “Recreational Development.” I highlighted that because that link will take you to a video that I shared for my clients over the Christmas holidays. Essentially it breaks down all the positive benefits of doing certain things (especially active things) that you love to do on a regular basis. If you watch it, you’ll get an understanding of why it’s so important.
A Final Note on Routine.
Routine comes from habit. Habit comes from self-discipline…at least the positive ones do😊
The morning routine I shared, and all the other lifestyle aspects like eating well, rest, etc. I do 90% of the time.
I call this the 90% rule. 90% of the time I do all the right stuff. The other 10% of the time, I do whatever, with the only requirement not to do harm to myself or others😊
Over time, and that’s key here, the long game, I can outrun most anyone because I will have more energy in the day and more energy sustainably over the years. It’s simple.
The difficult part of a healthy routine is the self-discipline it takes at the beginning. This is why I encourage you to look at it as energy management. Something that is not optional if you want to achieve your highest life and achieve your version of true success.
It can’t be about what results you see in the first few days. It has to be about the long view. When you do the 90% approach for the long view, you will find that it’s not too long before all your short terms are at a higher level than before. Then you just continue to stack those successes.
Here is a video link to my routine in case you’d like to learn more about it. I’ve been doing it now for 32 years. Your life will reflect that which you consistently do. Not what you say you do.
I hope you embrace this simple approach. It will elevate your impact for decades to come.
Many Blessings, Todd
P.S. If you are in need of coaching or training for your organization, reach out to me.
P.S.S. A big part of my energy management strategy is the use of powdered super foods. These are naturally intelligent and bolster your body. There are four of them that I use consistently that are all part of “Solis” line of products available on my online shop. Check them out. They are awesome to add to smoothies or shakes and can also just be used in water or added to foods you are preparing. These help with energy, immune system, health challenges, oxidative stress, and a whole lot more. As with all supplements available through the 3 Circles Living online supplement shop, you order at wholesale with a 30-day guarantee.
