Yesterday’s Conscious Quote spoke about the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day; choose your actions wisely. Much like our earlier post, “Tick & Flow”, Parthasarathy speaks of time as mutable in nature.
And it is.
To help balance my own work day, I do things outside the office to help me stay fully present in my work day. I run, practice yoga, and have at least 5 books going at any given time. At first glance, it may seem ridiculous that someone could do all of this on top of a busy, demanding job in one week day.
But hey, it all gets done.
And, while I find these tasks enjoyable, they also take focus, time and energy.
A good friend (and also yoga teacher) gave me a book called “Governing Business & Relationships,” by A. Parthasarathy. A scholar of Eastern Philosophy, Parthasarathy says that when we complain about “time management,” the actual issue is work- and self-management, and that should be the priority.
I find it quite easy (and rather satisfying) to complain about a bevy of external vagaries that somehow “got in the way” of the work I was supposed to be doing (hello, procrastination). But rather than focusing on the outside environment, the real work is about inner discipline.
This is what is meant as “self-management.”
So, if things keep getting in the way or your work, perhaps it’s time for a “software update.” This updated programming will have a few layers that help build a solid foundation for effective action. I like to use a model concocted by one of my favorite TED speakers, Simon Sinek. Sinek says to “start with why.”
In other words, think of your work projects and/or career in this order:
1. Why are you doing what you’re doing? What’s the motive, the mission?
2. What is it that you actually need to do? What do you want to do?
3. How will you take action? What’s the game plan?
Basic questions, big results. Ask yourself these in any situation where you find yourself stuck, and observe what comes up. You might be happily surprised at the effect on your work day and life!
More on this subject (“Why?”) coming up – stay tuned.
Namaste, @cjpatryck
Blogger’s note: This was a big quote today! For more reading on the mutable nature of time, and it’s management, check out our post “Tick & Flow” from May. 🙂 – @cjpatryck
How Manic Are You About Organizing Emails?I get a lot of email. Not so much that it’s threatening my quality of life, but definitely a lot. I mainly use Gmail and I have some basic organizational systems in place (a label here, a star there). I have to keep up with the daily onslaught and maintain my inbox, but like I said I don’t associate a lot of stress with it. Email is embedded pretty deeply in my subconscious at this point. But some people I know have organizational methods that I find scary, and any system breakdown causes them emotional turmoil. Are you intense about inbox maintenance, or do you take a come what may approach? Organize your thoughts below. Read more here.
Hangovers only exist because it keeps us from partying and drinking and going nuts every single night. It’s a fail-safe for humans so we don’t all devolve into skinny blonde mid-twenties actresses at once. It’s payment for fun. It sucks. But what’s the real science behind it? It all boils down to three things.
Dehydration. Acetaldehyde. Congener. Damn those three things. Damn them in the morning. Damn them in the afternoon. Screw them at night.Read more here.
Super simple, super fast to make, and super delicious. What’s not to love? The crunchy cabbage serves as a great platform for the sweet and tart flavors of cranberry and balsamic. I wasn’t so sure about a salad made with cabbage that wasn’t a coleslaw, but once I took a few bites, I found it to be really tasty and it makes a great side dish for many mains.Read more here.
Vending Machines Sell Bike Parts Debut in BrooklynA company called Express Biker has created a self-serve vending machine that sells bike parts around the clock. The goal is to help cyclists who might be riding late at night or far from bike shops, basically times and/or places where getting a flat tire (for example) would be very inconvenient. The vending machines will sell things like tubes, lights, co2, patch kits, various tools and parts.
There are already two machines in function in Brooklyn: One on the border of South Williamsburg and Bedford-Stuyvesant at the Emporium Gas Station on Flushing Avenue, and one at the Mobil Gas Station at 415 Empire Blvd. a few blocks away from Prospect Park. They want to partner with outdoor locations near major bike routes throughout NYC that are open for 24 hours, such as gas stations, parks, etc.
Read more here.
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