Here’s a question you should ponder, if you haven’t already:
What does it take for you to give someone your best?
You’ll be tempted to focus this externally, with things like:
- I need to get paid fairly
- No crunch, ever
- If my boss is a dick, I can’t do good work
- My work environment has to be peaceful, or social
- If my significant other is mad with me, I can’t do shit
Instead, take some time to ponder this question and make a list full of the things you can control. Something like:
- I need a full night’s sleep. If I fall asleep by 9:30 I feel fantastic.
- I need to eat well. I feel best when I cook and eat meats, fruit, and vegetables.
- I need some quiet time, 15-20 minutes of silence during the day helps me relax.
- I need a challenge – if I don’t have a goal, I watch YouTube all day
- I need to be learning, as repetitive tasks drive me up a wall
- I need to have a hobby, because I can’t always focus on work or I’ll burn out
- If I get angry or depressed, I fall apart. I need to have a mechanism to deal with that in case it happens.
Providing value to others is the basis of a vast majority of the things you do. This could be for friendships, romantic relationships, or business. If you can’t take care of yourself, then you’re going to have a hard time taking care of others – think about the order in which you’re supposed to put on an airplane oxygen mask.
Take 5 minutes to think about this and scratch out your own list. I’d love to hear what’s on yours – ping @adamtcroft
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