The Power of Embracing Your Work Style and Cycles
Ever found yourself caught in a self-critique loop because your work style doesn't fit the traditional mold?
If you're nodding, you're not alone. Let's talk about a topic that's close to home for many of us – how we work, and why embracing our unique style and cycles can be the game-changer we've been searching for.
Consider this: if you menstruate, you're familiar with the natural ebb and flow of your energy and mood in a 28-day cycle. Yet, we often force ourselves into a one-size-fits-all work routine that doesn't honor our natural rhythms.
Life itself moves in cycles – day turns to night, seasons change, and we evolve. So, why then do we expect ourselves to function consistently, regardless of the hour or the season?
Let's dive into a different perspective. Instead of trying to fit into productivity molds that weren't designed for you, what if you embraced your personal work style and cycles?
1. Understand Your Brain: Your brain has its own unique rhythm. Have you explored when you're most creative, focused, or receptive to learning? Tailor your work to work for you and your brain.
When do I feel the most focused and productive during the day?
Are there certain tasks that I find easier to tackle at specific times?
2. Respect Your Natural Cycles: Your energy ebbs and flows. It's okay to have days of high productivity and days when focus seems elusive. Embrace these fluctuations and plan your tasks around them.
How do my energy levels vary throughout the day?
What activities feel more aligned with my energy levels during different phases of my menstrual cycle?
3. Grant Yourself Grace: We all have those moments when our flow doesn't match the tech-bro hustle. That's okay. Give yourself permission to take breaks, recharge, and find balance.
When I have a low-energy day, how can I prioritize self-care without feeling guilty?
What activities or rituals can I engage in to recharge when I need a break?
4. Track Your Cycles: Whether it's the time of day, your menstrual cycle, or even the seasons, awareness is key. Track when you're most alert and when you need more downtime.
What patterns do I notice in my energy levels and focus at different times of the day?
How can I create a simple tracking system to monitor how my energy and mood change over the course of a month?
5. Recognize Productive Pockets: Discover your sweet spots for productivity. Are you a morning person? Do you dive into deep work after lunch? Recognize these pockets and optimize your schedule.
Am I naturally more alert and focused in the morning, afternoon, or evening?
What strategies can I implement to optimize my work during my most productive hours?
6. Identify Work Influencers: What impacts your work? Is it the food you eat, your sleep pattern, or even your caffeine intake? Understanding these influencers can help you create a supportive work environment.
How does the food I consume impact my energy and focus throughout the day?
What adjustments can I make to my sleep routine to ensure better quality rest and increased productivity?
For me, embracing my cycle brought a powerful shift. I started acknowledging my need for rest during those initial days of my period. No more guilt for those fetal-position moments – they're essential self-care.
Remember, you're not bound to push yourself to the limits. The constant push can lead to burnout and diminished long-term productivity. Instead, consider the magic of honoring your unique cycles. Embrace the ebb and flow of your energy; it's the key to sustained success.
Let's honor our natural rhythms and build a work routine that truly works for us. The journey to success isn't about constant hustle; it's about finding harmony within ourselves.
Curious about strategies to navigate your career with authenticity and grace? Reach out to explore my 1:1 coaching options or the Resume Shine package.
