How putting yourself first can help you get back on track and be more productive

You look forward to going back if you like your job (and know how to do it well). Thinking about new challenges. Seeing your colleagues. Feeling motivated every day is a great feeling, but when you don't... you know.

Until not so long ago, I, too, found it very difficult to go back. I imagined myself back in the office. The mobile phone ringing, the inbox full of mail...

Why did my mood change as soon as I was back at work?

Because... the problem was not just returning. It was returning to a place where I felt stressed all the time, no matter what month of the year.

It was clear that I wasn't doing 'something' right. But... neither at work nor with myself. And to feel good, you have to know yourself first.

What is really going on with me? What motivates me? Is there anything holding me back? What do I need to feel truly happy?

What is my personal definition of success?

Self-awareness is a powerful tool that has helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. It has also helped me set goals (personal and professional), which has shed a lot of light on the path.

I committed to finding an answer and getting out of the loop by identifying what I wanted to improve and what skills I needed to do so. I prioritised moments of reflection and silence for myself, and between reading and reading, I discovered the flow state.

It was a before and after.

It is a moment when you are focused and forget about everything else. You manage to focus on your task and complete it in the shortest possible time at the highest level.

What happens when this happens? What happens when you are in this flow state?

You can imagine. 

You feel more in control emotionally. You feel more confident, creative and, above all, more relaxed because you start believing in yourself and seeing that you can meet your deadlines without eating in front of the computer or missing out on life outdoors.

And here comes what you've been waiting for:

How can you start putting it into practice and prioritising?

Here are a few tips to help you get back into the swing of things.

• Organisation: While you have your second decaf, write down everything you want to do for the day. Everything. Jot it down on paper and leave some space in your head. 
• Realistic goals: change what you want to do today to what you can do today. Focus on what is essential and be conscious of time and energy allocation. Order and action.
• Step by step: multitasking reduces productivity. Focus on one thing. Finish. Next. 
• Find the right balance: If a task is too easy, it can be demotivating; if it is too difficult, you may feel frustrated (sometimes, you may even feel it is time to change jobs or ask for a promotion).
• Concentrate on the task at hand without self-consciousness: don't doubt yourself. Trust your judgement. Finish. And if you need it, ask for feedback.
• Off to be on: Reduce distractions. Minimise interruptions. Mute mobile notifications. 
• Enjoyment is gain: The flow state is based on motivation and personal satisfaction, so start with something you enjoy and remember to take breaks.
• Don't force it: practice and practice. Like any habit, it can be difficult initially, but stick with it. The best thing is that you won't get stiff like at the gym.

Cristina - U/1ST Marketing Department