#010—Am I lazy or just super aware?
Helllllo from Jamaica! I promise I’m social distancing, and it’s easy because it’s just me and this beautiful ocean. 😀
A radical thought: relaxation is also work.
So many of us have a strict definition of what constitutes “work” in our minds. It might be physical labor or it might be slaving over our laptops, but relaxing usually isn’t something we consider work.
This week I was really excited about a project, but when it came time to get started, I didn’t have the energy for it. And while Old Shireen would have felt bad about that, I asked myself instead, “Am I being lazy or do I need to rest?”
I’ll dive into this more in Final Thoughts.
Something that has been giving me lots of energy this week: the 10-Day Think Better Challenge. It officially kicked off last week for the first few hundred people that subscribed, and the responses I’ve been getting to the challenge have been even better than we expected. I’ve been having so many great conversations with people who want to talk more about mental models and how to use them in their lives.
If you’ve joined the challenge and we haven’t geeked about it yet, reply to this email and tell me how it’s been for you! And if you haven’t joined yet, you can sign up here!
CAREERS AND JOB HUNTING
Right now I’m reading a book called Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof. It’s created by the late Kobe Bryant and it’s freakin’ incredible. From the story to the writing to the physical book itself--I highly recommend getting a hard copy because you’ll be blown away by the feel of the book itself.
His work has made me appreciate the old adage, “How you do anything is how you do everything,” even more. The book is great because he sought mastery and brilliance in his storytelling, just as he did on the court.
In my career and life, I’ve had moments when I was tempted to take shortcuts or cut someone out of any opportunity for my own sake. Instead of following through on those easy routes, I reminded myself, “How I do anything is how I do everything…” These simple words always bring me right back to what really matters to me, and prevent me from acting on short-term ego bursts. If this resonates with you, try using these words next time you’re debating an action. But don’t debate getting Kobe’s book!
And other things you shouldn’t debate: personal development! Patricia Mou has been crushing it in the wellness content space and I just found this project of hers to make personal development priority.
If you care deeply about mental health like I do, and are looking for an opportunity, here is a growing list of mental health startups to check out
Struggling with self-doubt in your career? Check out this talk: The Crossroads of Should & Must and here’s BJ Fogg on Breaking bad habits, changing how you see yourself, and reducing fear.
Here’s a list of startups hiring during Covid-19, separated by functions, along with a newer list of other companies hiring during this time
SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL HANGOUTS
With so many traditional summer activities either heavily restricted or canceled entirely, I’m sure many of you are spending long, hot evenings at home.
I’m the last person to tell you that you need to spend your time at home “productively,” but I would say that whatever you choose to do, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting enough social interaction (whatever that means to you). That could mean social distancing hangouts, but it could also mean online interactions because this is the perfect time to create your own tribe or find a new one that aligns with your values and interests. Emily Adams and I talk about building support systems, especially now, and how to go above it. You can listen to our conversation here.
And maybe one of these hangouts can help you get started!
Baking w/ Michel et Augustin
July 30th, 4:00 p.m. PDT
In keeping with our city's social distancing recommendations, we've adapted our monthly Open House events - and now we're baking on Instagram Live! Every week, we invite a new bud to whip up one of their favorite recipes. Just like our Cookie Squares and Croissant Chips, each of these recipes are made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Bake along with us! Details here.
Bring Your Own Lunch: Networking
July 31st, 10:00 a.m. PDT
Hosted by career coach and Ladies Get Paid founder, Claire Wasserman, Bring Your Own Lunch (BYOL) is our weekly series for the community to gather. Whether it's navigating our careers or just staying afloat during this time, we need to learn from and lean on one another. More details here.
Yoga w/ Brooke
August 6th, 10:00 a.m. PDT & 3:00 p.m. PDT
Self-Care Inner Workout
August 7th, 9:00 a.m. PDT
This modified version of Inner Workout's signature self-care through movement, breathwork, meditation and journaling class is a welcome respite during the work day. This practice seamlessly blends chair-based movement, breath work, journaling, and meditation to help participants relax and reflect. Please bring a journal and a pen. Details here.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’ve noticed that when I need rest and actually give myself the time to do it, I come back wayyy more productive. And when I say rest, I’m not talking about a vacation—I just mean allowing myself to move something to later today or tomorrow.
But we’ve been trained to believe that putting something off is procrastination or laziness. And it’s true that sometimes putting things off is a sign of laziness. But I’d argue most of us know when we’re being lazy and just need to practice some more discipline.
On the other hand, when I get that feeling of being overwhelmed, tired, and just out of it mentally, I know that’s my body telling me I need to let go of this project or task for now. And I listen. That’s me doing work: being productive by giving my body what it needs to be my best self.
Keep in mind, this applies to more than just rest. Your body might be telling you it’s time to do something else, like take a walk or even work on something different. Technically, you might be “procrastinating,” but I’d say as long as you can honestly answer, “Am I being lazy or aware of what I need,” then it’s not procrastination.
Remember,
sometimes it’s more difficult to be kind to yourself than it is to be hard on yourself.
But if you put in the “work” to be nice to yourself, you’ll feel a lot better and get way more done in the long-run.
Bonus: when you do this enough and show yourself how much more you actually get done after resting than if you had just “pushed through it,” you’ll start trusting the process and becoming more self-aware of the rest you need.
e-Hugs,
Shireen