A paranoid person remarked “someone always sees everything you do.”  Whether or not they meant “in public” or “in private” doesn’t concern me, but it does raise an encouraging idea.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate some form of recognition – for any number of actions, professional, interpersonal, etc. It could be a public or private “atta boy/girl” but recognition equals good feelings.  Who wouldn’t want more of that?

So if someone truly sees everything you do, you could arguably rest assured they’ve seen the good things, right?

The question is, what’s stopping them from letting you know you did something good?

Why is it so easy to judge and condemn and so hard to offer a kind word?  If you’re a chronic “noticer” of good things, why haven’t you started the habit of complimenting them? 

I suggest we give in to our positive paranoia or validate that of others when encountering something worthy of praise.  I doubt you’ll discover anything but a need to be recognized, validated, even loved.  You may even be an answer to a prayer.  How cool would that be?

Ultimately, you find more of what you seek as well.  It may change your whole outlook on life and the whole of your philosophy if you engage in such a habit.  In short, you could change the world by willing it to be so.

GOOD JOB!

“I don’t wanna play anymore.”

“I’ve gone many miles.”

“I’m too old for this.”

These are statements made when our endurance is shot.  Often times there is no warning, we just hit the wall.  Whether it’s mental, physical or emotional, there is no negotiation, no denying it, we just need to take our ball and bat and go home.

But what if you have no choice?  Have you ever been in the situation where the “bonk” happens in the morning?  Maybe fatigue sets in and it’s only Monday?  It’s a scary realization – like the nightmare about finals and you didn’t study a bit.

In the pendulum between joblessness and American overworking, it’s a commonplace reality.  Whether it’s blue collar or white collar, the results are measurable – lower productivity, lessened contributions to the collective, even the effect it has on co-workers and general morale.

I ascribe 3 levels of “bonk” along with some suggestions to reverse the effects (granted these may not work for you, but hopefully will get your mind going in the right relative direction) and these do not include actual medical concerns – if you think you need to see the doctor, it’s a good instinct.  Men in particular ignore a problem until it’s too late.

This plan is to make a list of all the things you’ve taken for granted and what you’re going to do to re-fuel.  They generally fit into 5 categories – nutrition, fitness, romance, hydration and rest.  How you translate these categories into your own life’s basic needs is up to you.  In my world for example, it’s pretty obvious that if I’m tired, hungry and/or haven’t worked out recently, I’m going to be worthless.

So are you:

Dull – there’s nothing left.  You’re a dead horse.

The fix (for now):  1) Take your break and power nap.  15 minutes undisturbed somewhere acceptable is a great jump start; 2) Hydrate.  Water is best, at least a good mug full;  3) Move around.  circulation is momentum and it generates energy and ideas.  Don’t ignore ideas at this stage, but expect them to be very basic – even primal.  Who knows, it may be exactly the thing you need right now.

Dulled:  The daily grind is showing – not quite vacation time yet, but “where did my “IT” go?”

The fix:  Recognize – are you a morning person, a mid-day person or a night owl?  Working outside of your brain chemistry is a no-win situation.  Keep track of your peak energy and idea hours for a week – you’ll see a pattern (Use of coffee doesn’t count.  Your prime time is with-or-without it.) Once you’ve established this pattern, work your day around it.  If possible, look for opportunities that fall within your brain clock.  It may be a new career is in order.  If your work doesn’t hinge on a flow of ideas, plan the more challenging tasks accordingly instead.

Dulling:  The momentum is suffering.

The fix:  It could be a sign of things to come.  Establish the pattern and what may be causing it.  Maybe you simply didn’t have a good breakfast.  Maybe you need your coffee as a ritual.  Maybe a change of pace or tasks is in order. 

In short, do not neglect your basic needs!  Too many ignore the effects of dehydration and sleep, and those alone cause the majority of “bonking” issues. 

And if it’s time for a vacation, take it – and don’t bring work at all!  I don’t know any employer who wouldn’t trade an efficient, productive employee for one operating at only 25%