I typically start each work day exercising at 5:30 am, with many of those mornings staring down Lane 2 (as pictured below) at my local YMCA. Now, contrary to popular belief, very few of us are super excited to be up that early let alone be jumping into a pool which especially during the winter can feel extra cold at first.
There is a return, however, on our time investment: We feel pretty terrific and focused about 45-60 minute later. Ok- well maybe not all days, but most :-)
Despite the early hour, I have discovered that it truly is my 'me time'- no distractions. It's my 'lock in' time to renew and get set for the day. No music. No texts. No phones. Just me and my thoughts. I get to actually think- worry free and guilt free- from all distraction. (In fact, I write a lot of blogs in my head while I'm swimming :-)
Even days I'm not feeling as motivated, I force myself to keep to my daily routine, which includes starting my watch and beginning my first set- 1,000 yards (40 laps). Now mind you- I am not training for any type of race, open swim or triathlon. However, I am trying to beat my last time, as I compete with myself each time I swim.
I know where my time should be each 50 yards, at the 500 mark, etc. And while my time will vary day to day, one thing I have noticed consistently: I'm a bit slow and deliberate with my stroke to start, but then at lap 16- I lock in. I get into my flow; I feel smooth; It begins to feel somewhat effortless. And I just go for the next 20 minutes or so.
What does it take for you to 'lock in' to your work consistently day in and day out? Do you feel energized or sluggish? Why? Why not?
One question I like to ask both my career clients and my recruiting candidates is:
Tell me about your ideal work day.
How does it start?
How does it end?
What time does it start?
What time does it end?
What will you accomplish? How?
Such simple questions, but in fact- many clients and candidates alike- cannot answer them.
If you don't know yourself first and foremost, then how can you lead or impact others? Job title is irrelevant. I believe we have all been put on this earth to and time.
Must it only be 1 role? No.
Must you choose now your 'forever' role? No.
So, how do you 'lock in' to do your best work at work? Consider these 4 additional questions:
Where are you when you are 'locked in'? At the office? In your home office? Outside? At the library?
Do you have adequate time or are you consistently racing the clock and not checking off your to do list?
When is your energy highest?
What is your most productive time of day?
This past week, I had the pleasure of discussing energy management with a law firm client of mine during their monthly Lunch N' Learn. Together, we discussed the impact of not setting boundaries, not locking in and not managing our energy to bring our best selves to our work lives and our home lives.
As always when I'm coaching either in a group setting or individually, I left them with the following question:
What is one action you can commit to NOW so your week next week will look and feel better for you?
Another thought: If you are having trouble getting into your zone, ideal flow, etc., evaluate the many things tugging at your time and ask yourself:
1.What REALLY requires you?
2.What can be pushed out?
3.What can be delegated?
4. What is mission critical?
5. What is client-facing?
6. Is it a strength?
Here is how to clarify your path forward and identify your 'lock in' mode:
How will you 'lock in' next week?
Whose support do you need?
While you may need something from someone in order to 'lock in', consider what you can do to set yourself up for success to zone in, lock in, to summon your best at work next week.
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