Energize Your Work Day—And Fire Up Your Enthusiasm

Q. I like my job, but sometimes I feel like I'm in a rut. It's pretty much the same every day. I use a planner and set goals. But about mid-afternoon on most afternoons, I'm bored and feel sleepy. Any suggestions? Tom W.

A. Yes, but first a few basics: How's your general health? Sorry, but let’s start with your weight—because 65 percent of us in are overweight. If your weight is 10 per cent or more than what's recommended for you, it could be holding you back—and making you tired. For example, if you're a man whose recommended weight is 180 lb, and you weigh 200, you're carrying the equivalent of four 5-lb sacks of flour or sugar all day long. (I just realized that this example applies to me.) Try holding four of these 5-lb sacks all the time while you shop. I know it helped dramatize why sometimes I feel tired by mid-afternoon!

More basics: Do you smoke? Don't get at least 20 minutes of sweat-producing exercise three times a week? Drink too much? Have too much stress in your life?

Don't get enough sleep? Any of these behaviors contribute to a lack of energy and a fresh, energetic outlook throughout the day. Once we have our physical machinery working well, we can start looking at some psychological or internal motivators.

Start Briskly; End Peacefully

Consider getting up 30-60 minutes earlier than usual for exercise; a 30-minute walk; a more leisurely breakfast; meditation or soul-searching; review of goals; study of

something new, interesting and challenging, like learning a foreign language or solving some brainteasers. Take a different route to work once a week and notice the scenery. Really notice it. Look for opportunities each day to change your life patterns and look at your activities in a fresh, new way. Read a different magazine or newspaper. Listen to a radio station you haven’t heard before. Watch an uplifting, challenging program on TV (there are plenty of them, once you start looking.)

At work, re-align your goals or work plan for the day. Throughout the day, before you start anything, focus on your goal. Ask, “Is what I’m doing right now helping me meet my goals. If not, why am I doing it?” (If you don't know where you're going, how will you ever get there?) Set interim objectives and reward yourself for successes. Organize your tasks into A, B and C priorities. Each day, work on the A's and don't do any B's until your A's are finished. Set priorities for the week, month, and year. Use a planner throughout the day—don't rely on your memory. "Bunch" similar activities: making phone calls; opening the mail; filing.

Cut unnecessary communication time by setting time limits up front. Say, "Sorry, but I've got only five minutes to talk before I have to head for a meeting." Outline topics for phone calls in advance. Say, "I'm calling to ask about two problems."

You can't do everything, so look for ways to delegate, and re-arrange your workload. Ask for help, if needed. Set aside at least one appointment with yourself each day. Use it for quiet time that will let you focus on a project. Build more lead time into deadlines. You'll eliminate the last-minute crisis-management approach.

Build Support From Co-Workers

Give people frequent recognition for their efforts. Ask for needed changes in behavior gently, and with respect, but don't overlook errors for the sake of being popular. Praising other people will energize you as well. Develop good problem-solving skills and put them to good use--often--and in a way that'll let your boss, and other bosses, see your good work.

Plan Your Career

Carefully, in writing, plan your career growth in at least six-month segments. Outline what you have to accomplish to qualify for the next job. What courses do you have to take? What skills do you need? What people do you need to build rapport with? Do you need a mentor? Do you need to read specific books or journals?

Balance Your Life

For you to stay energized and, in the long term, energize your career, you've got to be the kind of person people enjoy, and want to be around. Learn how to handle stress; how to relax and enjoy yourself, your family, friends and other employees. Enjoy outside hobbies and activities so you'll have a balanced life you can look forward to each day. Grow a sense of humor and be able to laugh at yourself and the ridiculous situations you encounter daily. And smile...often! Relax in the evening with family or friends; slow down and become more peaceful as you move toward bedtime. Be thankful for the day. Doing these things should drive away most of the sleepiness during the day.