One question to ask yourself

Is this true or am I assuming?

This is one of the best 'cures' for taking things personally. So much of our offence, upset and resentment comes from what we assume to be true about a situation or person. A really fantastic journal prompt I always recommend to clients is, "the story im telling myself about this situation is...."

Something to consider

Paying off your imaginary productivity debt completely (being the most productive person on the planet so you no longer feel behind) is impossible 

Do you wake up in the morning and first think 'what do I have to do today?'. Let's change this. This week. try waking up each morning at net zero, not choosing to already be behind. I've spoken many times before about keeping a done list, ticking off the things you've done through the day and reflecting on that at the end of the day, instead of what you haven't accomplished from your to do list (that, by the way, is never ending). Start each day at zero, not minus X, such that everything you achieve each day puts you in a surplus. 

One thing I'd tell my younger self.

Living life to the fullest is learning to be where your feet are - Brianna West

Always waiting for the next part, the next accomplishment, the next trip, the next step in the career ladder, it's stripping your joy, it's stripping your life. Learn how to live in your body, to rest without productivity, to choose how you spend your time without guilt. Uncertainty doesn't lead to growth, discomfort isn't always required to be your best self. You can grow and develop from a place of contentment and often, this contentment allows us more energy for just that.

One thing to try this week

Demand only 3-4 hours of daily high quality mental work 

Before you think I'm ludicrous and can't possibly get what you need done in 3 hours, know that I don't take credit for this, I think I read it from Oliver Burkeman but it's a concept relatively widely discussed in productivity books / podcasts / learnings. I obviously work more than 4 hours a day, but I'm talking top notch, creative, focused, intentional work. Protect your productive work hours and stop messing around with busy useless hours that only serve to tick a box that you've done more (you probably haven't). I'm challenging myself with it this week, and I'm going to be intentional with hours outside of that to rest, nest, move my body, all things that slip during a sprint week at work (in the midst of life too).

A few things to tell you...

Can doing more cardio make you gain weight? Is masturbation supportive of labour? Find out on the ETPHD pod here

Is low carb the answer for diabetes and insulin resistance? How much does nutrition impact cancer risk? Listen to EIQ here

Are you wasting time creating more 'stuff' for clients? Here's how to build a resource base that's actually helpful

One more thing...

Please share your favourite stuff.

Thank you all for continuing to share your favourite Monday email quotes. I see them all. I know how much I love seeing impactful quotes from strangers, so it means a lot that you allow me to hopefully be that person for someone else. f there's something you really relate to or know someone who'd benefit from something in this email, please share it and pay it forward. Words are magical, and if I've learned anything from writing these emails to you for years, you never know when someone needs to hear the exact thing you've got to say.