"Self-mastery is the one true path to effective employee performance."
It is imperative to be able to manage yourself effectively in order to achieve self-mastery if you wish to live your best life, not just at the office, but in your personal life. Here are six principles that are essential for making successful changes and for living your best life, in and out of the workplace.
Create a sanctuary of peace
I hope that you already have a workspace that is functional, well-organised and conducive to a high level of performance. However, in today's challenging world, it is also a necessity for you to have a safe space that is preferably away from the office where you can look forward to going; one where you know there is unconditional love and, one where no client, secretary or supervisor will follow you.
Change the way you communicate
Having someone give you her or his undivided attention by listening to what you have to say can be magical. Think about how many opportunities we miss on a daily basis to make the people in our lives feel worthy, respected, valued, and loved because we do not listen as well as we can, or should. Listening can be therapeutic and is an essential skill that will enhance your life personally and professionally.
Connect with others
Sometimes, we do not realise how important human interaction is until we do not have it for a time. We communicate much more with our eyes, our body language and the energy that is generated when we have meaningful interactions that this is hard to replace. The way in which we connect is different for all of us and this is fine, but we must connect if we are to live to our fullest capacity. We cannot sit and wait to connect with others. We need to be proactive and seek out others in healthy and appropriate ways.
Maximise your 24 hours
In my counselling/coaching practice I have observed and saw many employees and supervisors who were continually busy, but who really have had unproductive days. Many supervisors have learned to look at an employee's productivity and achievements instead of just the number of hours they spend at work. They have recognised that there are unnecessary phone calls, unwanted visits because of an open office door, unproductive meetings, meaningless conversations and other time wasters. Here are some suggestions:
�2 Prioritise your daily tasks–have an organised approach to your day
�2 Take advantage of your most productive time(s) of each day
�2 Take short breaks as needed; know yourself
�2 Celebrate your progress–cross things off as they are completed
�2 Be flexible; reassess and revise your tasks as necessary
�2 Maintain a sense of humour and incorporate some fun into your day
�2 Do try to get at least eight hours of sleep–you will achieve more the following day
Manage stress for success
With the scarcity of time and the transformation to an era of technology and globalisation, comes increased stress and anxiety about almost everything in today's competitive and complex environment. I have created some practical guidelines to help you manage your stress and make changes in your lifestyle:
�2 Identify your stressors!
�2 Manage the stressors you can control–get support and/or develop an action plan for those that make you feel powerless.
�2 Surround yourself with a team that you consider to be efficient and dependable.
�2 Clarify your expectations and take the time to address sensitive issues before they escalate.
�2 Get enough sleep and physical activity.
�2 Plan your day to provide some work/life balance. Become an excellent self-manager!
Eat well and exercise
The research tells us that walking is one of the best forms of exercise, that if you walk for half-an-hour, three or four times a week, this can decrease your stress and increase your lifespan. Now, this is not to say that other forms of exercise like swimming, going to the gym, cycling, running and mountain/hill climbing are any less valuable. The important thing is to find the methods that fit your lifestyle, ones that will not make you dread the event and the time it takes you away from your busy schedule.
Now is the time to do some self-examination and take action to preserve a life that is not only good but one that can be great. Take the time to create and live your best life! After all, "Self Mastery is the one true path to good health, joyful living, inner peace, and great cash-flow."
Dr Monica Starke is a lifestyle coach/counsellor and an OD (Organisational Development) consultant who works with teenagers, adults, families and organisations. Please contact her at Thestarkereality@gmail.com.
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