Know When to Walk Away

As a young drama student I rarely, if ever, understood the importance of walking away from a project to gain a little clarity. I'd just keep hammering away convinced some revelation would strike me as long as I continued muscling my way to a breakthrough.

One of the many great things about getting a little older is recognizing the importance of taking a step back when something isn't working. It doesn't mean it's time to give up or table a project forever but rather that you care enough about the work to bring your best, most aware self to it. 

So if something isn't working, take a step back, go and do something else. You'll be amazed at the clarity you'll bring after a little breather. Ultimately, the quality of our work hinges on the quality of our presence.

Be More Intentional

This week I've seen a real clarity in my work. I credit a new technique I learned and have been trying to implement into my daily routine. 

Before each task I ask myself two questions:

1. What is my intention for doing this? 
2. How do I want to feel when doing it?

Think about how often we just go through the day on autopilot, rarely taking the time to question why it is what we do. For years the lack of examination caused me to keep busy without questioning for a moment if what I was doing had any value.

By asking yourself those two simple questions (which takes literally 2 seconds) you prime yourself before tackling your objectives. If it connects with a broader and deep-seated "why," you're driven to do the best work you can. 

And when you condition yourself to feel energized, optimistic, or driven before the work you're more likely to see it through. 

Setting your intention and priming your mind are incredibly powerful techniques for doing your best at work that matters.