Throughout my career, I've personally experienced and observed in my colleagues many instances where we tolerate certain aspects of our work environment - ranging from a cluttered desk, a noisy environment, uneven walkways, poorly designed workspaces, or even just having to deal with too many questions too early in the morning - these things sap our energy, distract us, or prevent us from the 'real work'. Some things we tolerate might seem trivial, but the cumulative impact can be profound. These little things consume our time or effort, reduce our 'bandwidth', and prevent us from using our time and effort on more productive and proactive activities.
Identifying and Addressing The Energy Tolerations
The first step to freeing ourselves from these energy-draining 'tolerations' is recognizing them. What are we tolerating, and how are these tolerations affecting us? Here's a simple exercise to help you start:
List Your Tolerations: Write down everything you feel you're currently 'tolerating', the little annoyances that if removed, would make you feel a little more relaxed, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem.
Identify Pivotal Tolerations: Review the list and identify the pivotal tolerations. Pivotal tolerations, when removed, can often eliminate other tolerations. Remember that whilst not all tolerations can be eliminated, identifying them can at least help you manage them to be less of an issue.
Address the Root Cause: Understanding what causes your tolerations is crucial. Addressing the root cause ensures that these issues don't resurface. Like weeds, if you don't remove them from the root, they'll keep coming back. Ask yourself why they annoy you or sap your energy, what is it about the toleration is it that impacts you?
Break Down Your List: If the list feels overwhelming, start by focusing on the pivotal tolerations. Break down the list into manageable chunks, prioritize them, and tackle a few at a time.
Reassess at Regular Intervals: Dealing with tolerations isn't a one-time event, every three months, repeat the exercise and see how you're doing. If there are still things on your list that you've tried to remove, consider using a different technique or method to remove them.
Sometimes, pinpointing and addressing tolerations can be challenging. It needs to be clarified where to start or how to develop an effective action plan. If you can't see the issues yourself, seeking professional support can be invaluable. It may be worthwhile reaching out for help when needed. For instance, life coaching can offer personalized guidance and support in identifying and overcoming your tolerations.
Understanding and managing the tolerations that drain your energy and hinder your progress, you open the door to a more fulfilling and productive career. You'll be able to focus on what is important to you and avoid distractions. Remember, it's not just about removing negatives but creating space for positive growth and well-being. When you free up energy previously tied up in tolerations, you enable yourself to engage more effectively in your personal and professional life. It's about consciously coping with these nuisances and actively removing them from your life. This proactive approach leads to a more energy-filled, productive, and satisfying life at home and in the workplace.
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