Life Dynamics

Recharging the Batteries

Why this tactic matters
Life represents an ongoing series of challenges requiring reserves of your personal energy. This energy needs to be replenished to optimise your effectiveness. Continually throwing yourself into greater challenges runs the risk of “burn out”. Recharging the Batteries is the tactic which takes time out to reflect and stand back, to engage in alternative pursuits and interests reflecting different skills, and draw on the support of your family and friends.

Caught up in the immediacy of life problems, and feeling jaded and tired		An involvement in a range of life activities, keeping energised with a zest for new life opportunities

We run faster when we have lost our way Go slowly Accept that stress is an inevitable part of human existence What makes you passionate? Long hours don’t mean productive work Is your job burning you out? “Home is where you hang your @” Are you tired or are you tired of the specific life you’re leading? Don’t let “it” get to you” Don’t waste energy protecting your ego Imagine your funeral When you’re feeling low don’t make things worse Sharpen your saw Relaxation doesn’t come easy Make time for yourself each day Keep a “master list” Pamper yourself and don’t feel guilty Sleep well Turn down the heat on the pan Make it easy to schedule time off Get off the roller coaster Take moderate physical exercise		Balance the “pleasures” and “gratifications” of life happiness Life is a series of sprints; it isn’t a marathon Larks and Owls Create a positive working environment Don’t get a reputation for making life seem too easy Don’t coast Keep practising Discover a life passion Keep others on their toes Move quickly Get out of your comfort zone

Peak Performance and Tennis
After watching thousands of hours of tennis matches, attempting to identify what the top players did that distinguished them from the others, Jim Loehr found nothing. Then he noticed what players did between points. The top players had a better way of relaxing after each point in preparing for the next one. During breaks, the less successful players dragged their rackets, muttered under their breaths, dropped their heads and shoulders, looked around at the crowd distractedly, or even threw fits. Giving vent to energy-draining emotions like anger and fear, they looked either demoralized or tense. The top players, on the other hand, kept their heads high even when they’d lost a point, maintaining a confident posture that telegraphed no big deal. The top players would concentrate their gazes on their rackets or touch the strings with their fingers and stroll toward the backcourt, focusing, avoiding distraction, relaxing, and effectively letting the past go. After this mini-meditation, they’d turn back toward the net, bounce on their toes, and visualize playing the next point.

Life success isn’t just about moments of peak performance. Sustained life success is achieved through consistency of performance. And consistency comes from knowing how to revitalise yourself to prepare for the next set of life challenges.

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