Managing Time Versus Energy

Evolve Business Group was one of the sponsors of a WIIFM Productions presentation June 29th featuring Russell Hunter from the Human Performance Institute (http://www.hpinstitute.ca). During his talk, Russell likened a business person to a high performing athlete. There are chronic demands on energy and over time if the appropriate measures are not taken the life span of a “corporate athlete” is diminished. The key point is that energy is the fundamental currency of high performance.

In order to perform at one’s best there are four principles of personal energy management to assess:

Principle number 1 is energy is four dimensional. The four dimensions of energy are: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. All four dimensions are connected and work to create either physical or emotional based energy. The ideal situation is to move between quadrants of high physical energy & low physical energy along with positive emotional energy. This allows for opportunity based energy.

Principle number 2 is energy investment requires renewal. It is important to be able to have “micro-recovery” so that you can have sustained performance. Check in with yourself and ask what are already doing to recover in small ways throughout the day? Some examples are: getting up and stretching periodically, walking at lunch or taking a book and reading over a break.

Principle number 3 is stress is not the enemy. Stress is created simply by how we frame situations and things and attach meaning to them. Studies have shown that by experiencing “training stress” the capacity for performance increases. In other words stress is important in stretching our abilities and creating learning.

Principle number 4 is willpower is overrated. 95% of how we perform is determined by non conscious habitual behaviours. Only 5% is conscious and self-regulated behaviours. By creating specific performance rituals, these will become embedded in the 95% of non conscious habitual behaviours.

By doing a quick self assessment and a process of development based on these 4 principles, you will be on your way to becoming a corporate athlete. Enlist a partner to create performance rituals or consult us at Evolve (results@evolvebusinessgroup.com) and get training!

Tips to Success at Work and in your Health:

So you are sleeping poorly? Too stressed? Not eating as well as you could from your desk? Exercising monthly? All business people have periods like this. They do. Some people take a different approach to solving these issues though. Exercise is incredible for reducing stress, improving sleep, giving you energy, clearing your head, even improving what you eat (no one wants potato chips after a workout).

So why aren't you making health and exercise a part of your weekly routine? Can't find the time? Can't get out of the office? Can't get all the way to the gym? Maybe 2010 is where you need to start.

Here are some critical tips for making fitness part of your life in 2010:

1. Find a gym close to your house or close to your work - if you have to drive more than 10 minutes you won't do it. People tell themselves they will drive 30 minutes to the gym ... no you won't.
   
   
2. Go at a time when you are energized ... if you are not a morning person then quit trying to convince yourself you will get up at 5am. If you do get up early, set 2-3 alarm clocks to ensure you succeed.
   
   
3. Get a trainer - they will give you routines, exercises, ideas and companionship for every workout.
   
   
4. Find a sport or activity you like - if you hate weights, don't lift them. If you hate swimming then don't swim. What do you like to do?
   
   
5. Learn more ... most people know little about kinesiology, bio-mechanics, caloric intake, exercises for different parts of the body, etc. Get interested and become a student of health.
   
   
6. Get a trainer - they will push you harder than you thought you could ever go and will show you what you are capable of.
   
   
7. Find a partner - people who workout with a partner are 4 times more likely to stick with it. Find someone at work, at the gym or get a trainer to help you.
   
   
8. Tell your boss or co-workers ... I know, it seems crazy but telling those you work with about your commitment to fitness and health will increase their understanding and support of you hitting the gym.
   
   
9. Get a trainer - they will encourage you, hold you accountable, teach you, hug you, make you successful!