Do you expect yourself to be performing at a high level all year round, consciously or otherwise? If so, I want to flag that this isn’t possible. You might get away with it for a while, so as business people how can we perform sustainably?
This is the second part of our final series of Thrive in Fives this year. I’ve been summarising key ideas or observations from 2022 that I want to leave with you as it ends. Last week was all about the power of the small stuff, especially when done consistently. Today I want to talk about what has no doubt been the greatest observation I’ve made in the past 12 months. And it’s the idea that everyone thinks they need to be performing at a high level all the time.
Performing with Cadence
Those of you who know my content will have heard me talk about cadence before. What it means is simply this: looking ahead to what’s coming up, preparing by making small shifts, and then making time for a small sliver of recovery after it’s done. Now, I’m not going to explain the entire methodology now, but you can read about it in my book, Cadence.
Working and Living Well
So, accepting operating at peak performance all year round just isn’t possible, what steps can we take towards performing sustainably? I think taking time to slow down – or create an opportunity for a sliver of recovery, as we like to call it – is essential for working and living well. Alternatively, you may want to approach things differently, such as working through the gears to carry out a task.
That’s what I want you to think about as we enter 2023. What slivers of recovery or cadence can you introduce so you’re not performing at a high level all year round? Making just a few small changes will enable you to get things done sustainably and have more fun. And I don’t just mean at work, but in your personal life too – because that’s what it’s all about!
Wellbeing Resources
Many of us frequently sit or stand at a desk, our posture guide will show you how to set up your workstation, stretches to do to avoid getting tight, uncomfortable muscles, and how to correct your posture to stay relaxed and energised whilst at work.