I love reading “inspirational” material but can’t seem to remember any of it once I close the book.
I read the book "Shine: How to survive and thrive at work" by Chris Barez-Brown some time back but haven't actively used the material. So to give the book another shot, I decided to take notes of some of the points I like and would like to try. I have grouped them according to the different domains of my life, but will need to work on fitting them into my life.
Self: Day-to-day:
1. Perspective practice: when you wake up, choose to emphasize facets of yourself that you really value. If a perspective gives you more energy, try it on and live with it a bit more.
2. Rest. Good rest has little agenda. If it’s not happening every day, diarize it.
3. Do something physical.
4. Eat. Note everything you consume over a working day and see if you are really helping your body to be all it can be.
5. Image. Wear clothes that up your energy, physically and mentally. Wear clothes that represent who you are to the world while still making you feel great.
6. Personal branding.
Work:
7. People never have their best ideas at their desks. Go somewhere else.
8. Admin alchemy. There will be tasks that you dislike. Schedule a time that fits the task, and see how you can minimize the time you spend on them.
9. Commit. Don’t sabotage your energy by constantly questioning who you are and the impact that you will have. Are you committed to becoming as good as you possibly can in your role?
10. Take a look at your habits inside and outside work, and try to shake things up a little every once in a while to get a fresh perspective.
Lifestyle/Habits:
11. Know your North Star. It helps you direct your actions on a daily basis, and can change when you or the environment change. What kind of person do you want to be? What kind of life do you want?
12. Surround yourself with interesting people. And listen to others.
13. Daydream.
14. Do favours. Be interested in other people, their struggles and their dreams.
15. To recalibrate, take a little holiday from your life. Cut back on everything and after a week, add back the things that you consciously choose.