“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%

Life really sneaks up on you.  It can wear you down, catch you, turn you into a drone and then end it all.

But is that what you dreamed of as a child? 

How many of us dreamed of being what we are right now?  I dare say most of us would confuse children with what we do for a living, or be relegated to “geekdom” by the average 10 year old. 

So what happened to those dreams?  When did practical matters completely outweigh abandon?  Why do only the rich and lazy get to do whatever they want?  

Seems to be more of a death sentence – or at least house arrest – for most of us.  No wonder so many have a failure to launch from the nest. 

I challenge you to make fun a priority in your life.  Granted, your idea of fun may have changed since 2nd grade, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have it. 

The immediate response for you may be “I don’t have time” or “how can I make it a priority?” My response to you is “Did you sleep last night?  Did you eat anything within the last 24 hours?  Did you ever have to visit the little (boy’s/girl’s) room?”  Somehow you made time for that which is important – even crucial – in your life. 

So it’s a matter of re-defining your terms.  Non-negotiable, without fail and habitual, you must do something fun every day!

Before you know it, you have things to look forward to – even live for.  Then, who knows?    You may even have a new dream and make it come to fruition.  As a wise man once said, “get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.”

START NOW!!!

As a father and a son, I see both sides of the coin.

I see more of the wisdom of “why my Dad did that” as if it’s becoming de-classified with each passing year.

I also realize I am my father’s son in the habits I’ve developed in parenting.

It’s a time fraught with discoveries, epiphanies, and more than a few “duh!” moments.

So it is at this time of year that I offer my unique perspective for keeping the holiday special in what may seem like an unconventional train of thought.  One advantage to indulging my rant is that these ideas are all cheap or free (and who’s not up for that in this “economy”?):

1) Dad loves YOU, not your gifts.  A good father gives presence, not presents.  The reverse is also true.  In the circle of life, we’re still social creatures and cling to as much human contact as possible.  Young children, spend time with Dad.  Adult children, If you live a great distance away, set a regular phone conversation as part of your routine.  If you can make the trip, DO IT. 

2)  What does Dad like to do?  Maybe you don’t know even as adult children, but doing something Dad wants to do – his call - is a great gift. And if you don’t like it, fake interest! (trust me, he does for you too sometimes)

3) Dad is an authority.  Note, I’m not saying THE authority or an authority on all things.  But there is a lot of wisdom to share and you can learn a lot about where you’re going if you know where you’ve been (or he has been, or grandpa has been, etc.)  So when you spend time together, listen to the wisdom and try to learn something new.  Kids, you may hear some great stories.  Adult kids, you can always filter later.  This does not have to be an annual-only thing.

3) Any questions?  Adult children, now’s your chance to get all those answers to “why?” and not “because I said so!” while making it a part of your holiday.  All other ages – accept the answer!  Dad will LOVE not arguing!

4) Tradition!  The holiday is a great reason to perpetuate or start a new one.  I have enjoyed many and look forward to repeating.  They don’t have to make sense to anyone else but you and Dad.

5) Peace, man!  One dad was asked every year what he wanted for Christmas.  The answer was always “wool socks and no fighting!”  I don’t know how many years he got what he asked for, but it works for any holiday.  Sometimes the best gift to give Dad is 24 hours of quiet.  Let him sleep in, let him fish, let him stare at the tube, let him nap, let him be!  There’s a lot of patience that’s grown in peace.  Teenagers are well aware of  “when” to ask Dad something – now’s your chance to bank a few extra points!

And when in doubt, make sure Dad knows – if nothing else – that you love and appreciate him.  Hugs are great and they don’t need to be repaired, replaced or even dusted!

To be sure, there are legitimate concerns and situations – many stemming from greed, many stemming from poor coincidental circumstances – but all seem to be depressing, frustrating, and hopeless.

I’ve been listening to “the economy” woes for 7 years now.  Of course we have tenuous moments.  Of course it’s relative to our standard of living.   Of course if can be overwhelming at times.  But every year has been better than the last for us.  Outside of ascribing it to living in a time of miracles and the favor of God, what reason can I give for it?

For argument’s sake, let me elucidate from a “pragmatic” view.  You can apply these challenges to your own career.  Most of them seem pretty universal to me:

1) Is your pride getting in the way?  Are you unwilling to do what it takes to survive and thrive?  Many people see certain occupations as “beneath them” while survivors find a new way (and sometimes a new career) that is more challenging and lucrative than anything they clung to in the past.

2) Are you in the wrong place?  Not just timing, but sometimes one has to admit that “this just isn’t my world”  Self-awareness – of one’s limitations, strengths, potential, and possibilities is wise.  Plant a tiger in the ocean and the top predator becomes prey. 

3) Do you fear change?  A definition of insanity is to do the same thing and expect different results.  The only thing that doesn’t change IS change.  Why fight the obvious?  Deal with things – don’t just ignore them.  That’s where the growth occurs.

4) Get busy living or get busy dying!  Great quote.  You can be a victim or a victor.  Re-inventing yourself, learning a new skill, hanging out a new shingle, diversification in whatever form that works – but TRY.  Don’t accept this as the end of your life.  As children, I doubt any of us expected our grown-up selves to be in the situation we’re in now.

5) Why not?  The greatest success stories have had the greatest adversity.  The challenge hones and sharpens and great minds often focus on the progress – any amount possible.  “Can do” attitudes prevail.

Practice, practice, practice – it’s all very logical and a way to ride things out.  In the end, those that do will be far better than those that were simply a part of the pavement.

As a talented professional, I struggle with maintaining the balance between the creative process and the business of selling services and products of the process.  The greatest challenge is when practical matters outweigh the abandon of creating something new and exciting.

You may also find your “juices” drained after an “exciting” session of book keeping, telemarketing, networking or contract negotiation.  If you don’t have people who can do these things for you (as many hopefuls don’t and can’t afford) these all fall squarely on your shoulders.  By the end of the day, you have nothing left to market with.

Or can you jump start your creativity?  Are there metaphoric cables and defibrillators? 

The answer is YES, if you recognize your habits and accept your nature.  Here are some suggestions:

1) Without a strong foundation, you are no good to any process.  Make sure your basic needs are met – sleep, food, exercise, “fill in the blank” – if you’re not healthy, neither will your art be.

2) If you’re an e-mail/text/phone or other form of junkie, turn them off!  The quick fix of accomplishment will only derail you – hours will pass without productivity while you watch for something to appear on your screen or in your mailbox.

3) Remember your time of day.  Whenever your creativity is highest, schedule nothing before it.  Save it for best results. 

4) Remember creature comforts.  Put on your lucky outfit, grab your favorite drink/munchies, turn on your preferred lighting and avoid contact with anyone you know will derail you.

5) Immerse yourself in creative stimulation – visual, auditory, even tactile-kinesthetic related to the task.  In other words, music, pictures, motions that have something to do with the outcome – a “warm up” if you will.

6) Embrace the momentum.  Once you have it back, recognize its fragility and negotiate as much time as you can to dedicate to the energy.

Now “lather, rinse, repeat” and CREATE!