4 Things I’d Do to Begin a Long Workday Filled with Enthusiasm and Positivity
We can control how we approach our workday
Some workdays are destined to last longer than the night on Winter Solstice.
That day, we slap our forehead immediately when we are up. You know how it feels when,
- There is a big bang client meeting at 8 in the evening
- Back-to-back internal discussions without toilet breaks
- Or how Thursdays feel before the weekend euphoria sets in at 5 pm
Feeling lethargic before you do anything? I got your back.
It happens to me from time to time. And it siphons energy away from our side hustles, creator projects, and running a 1-Man consulting practice after our 9–5.
We must know how to handle ourselves.
I offer 4 ways to start the day brimming with (more) enthusiasm and energy. I almost always feel better. They may work for you too.
Let’s start.
Tip Number 1: Move A Little Faster
The solution for overcoming a slow start is obvious.
Start fast!
Okay, there is no need to sprint to the kitchen to make that first cup of black. No. But you can move slightly faster than usual.
It works because we breathe deeper. It pays to be a super oxygen-sucking machine. Here’s why.
The body relaxes, and you feel more comfortable. Boosts energy and increases vitality. As you breathe deeply, you increase your energy levels and allow fresh oxygen and nutrients to be distributed to your cells. This helps the brain and organs function at an optimal level.
- An Easy Way to Beat Stress
Of course, you can do deep breathing exercises before getting one foot off the bed. I prefer to be on the move. And so, I choose to move faster.
15 minutes is sufficient to feel the difference.
Tip Number 2: Start with the Calendar — In General, Defer Meetings
This is straightforward.
Minus is your good friend when your day is long.
And so — This is what I do before I start the workday.
- Check my calendar
- Run through the string of meetings scheduled for that day
- Defer those that do not require my immediate attention
- Decline those where my input(s) is not required
10 minutes is all your need to perform the above. I do them before replying to emails.
Here’s why.
Leaving pockets of breaks in between makes me light-hearted. My day job as a consultant requires me to be attentive to client needs. My energy gets sapped when it is spread across 5, 6, or 7 meetings.
I need my laser focus.
Therefore, I prioritize client meetings over internal ones.
If that 15-hour day is filled with client meetings (only), I choose those where I will receive a Purchase Order. Or a cheque.
Collecting money makes me happy.
It brightens my day.
Tip Number 3: Ringfence Your No-Contact Time Right from the Start
I have 2 zero-contact zones throughout the day.
- Morning, from 9 am — 11 am
- Evening, from 430 pm — 6 pm
I have my reasons for having them.
I think better in the morning. And so, I guard that timeslot zealously. This allows me to work on high-brainpower tasks such as client pitches and designing customized consulting workshops without distractions.
When the day is long — I extend the morning window.
It gives me more room to ease into my work-deep zone.
Zero-contact evenings are necessary for a different reason.
It represents that last gasp to the finish line. I prefer to anchor it with an evening workout. Or something I look forward to.
Time passes faster with anchors.
You will hit the end of that day before knowing.
It feels good knowing no one at work can reach or harass you for 45 minutes.
Application Tip: Evening anchors work best when there is that one big bang meeting late in the evening. The wait feels shorter.
Tip Number 4: Hold Your Inner Energy
My consulting mentor taught me this.
He says inner energy dissipates when we spread ourselves too thin. It is our job to hold it within us.
For me, I hold my inner energy when,
- I avoid unnecessary meetings (you never know what will happen)
- I focus on documentation that does not require input from others
- I clear administrative tasks (no need for high brainpower)
The trick is to go solo and administrative and avoid face time for as long as possible.
Otherwise, the already long workday can become unbearable and mentally stifling.
It works brilliantly for me. I like to be alone. Working on tasks that avoid excessive human interaction makes me happy.
The long workday can become psychologically shorter.
And.
Working on documentation can be bliss when I am struggling at 2 pm. Microsoft Word does not argue with me. It does not fight back.
It is what it is.
When I am done, I am done.
And I move on.
Parting Keynotes
Tips are tips.
The idea is to own the day. Take responsibility. There is always something we can do to inject enthusiasm and positivity into our minds.
Everyone grinds. We learn to grind with a smile on our faces.
I have 4 methods to share if you are looking for ways to approach those longer-than-usual workdays with light-heartedness.
- Move a little faster
- Defer or decline meetings
- Ringfence your no-contact time right from the start
- Hold your inner energy
We must have enough left in our mental tank to continue working on our hustles in the evening.
All the best to you, dear reader!
As a content contributor, I write my observations from daily life and my business exposure. Because our life experience is the bedrock of our unique perspectives.
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