BE RESOLUTE BUT AVERT BURNOUT

 

In my previous (latest) contribution, I shared on RESOLUTENESS POWER, in which I stressed the key enzymes of Faith/Love (self-trust and conviction in a mission), Change (actions befitting changed situations) and Cognizance/Awareness (of new happenings and trends). Indeed the enzymes are imperative for bolstering the resolute thrusts toward achieving coveted objectives.

However, allow me to state a “caveat emptor”. Over-indulgent resoluteness to hit achievements at all costs, if not prudently managed, may instead lead to physical burnout in the longer term which could cause the following negative side effects……..

·         Physical deterioration, secondary to conditions like insomnia, hypertension, anxiety, fatigue etc.

·         Professional mistakes – an over-clouded mind is prone to be less alert for work execution.

·         Moodiness, self-withdrawn behaviour, irritability, disappointment.

Hence, an aspirant bent on fulfilling work commitments must have platforms for restoration in order to avert burnout, which is a prevalent concern in today’s competitive corporate world. “Restoration” means reversion to the normal mental and physical state. In this context, it is to bring back the state of health, soundness and vigour.

I avidly participated in Dr. Steven Covey’s  “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” course quite some years ago. Module 7, entitled “Sharpen the Saw”, casts a culminating advisory tone to all graduating participants. This module highlights four balanced dimensions for personal “renewal”, viz. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL. I believe “renewal” also infers to “re-energise”.  The module recommends avenues for re-energising, which essentially entail ways to avert burnout emanating from work stress. In fact, the entire Steven Covey’s programme lays out the steps for an overall healthy frame to attain sustainability in terms of work efficacy by inculcating a conducive and manageable application approach. (I would recommend readers aspiring to be high performers to sign up for the programme.)

The four dimensions advocate the following habits:

·         PHYSICAL:  Proper nutrition, exercise, recreational activities, enough rest/sleep, relaxation time etc.

·         MENTAL:  Reading, writing, mind-inspiring hobbies, education, seminars, training courses etc.

·         SOCIAL: Establish meaningful fraternities, family relations, network circles, interaction with counterparts/peers to share views, society events etc.

·         SPIRTUAL: Meditating, praying, religious worship, digesting literature that inspires morale, listening to songs that touch the heart etc.

The crux of Dr. Covey’s promulgation is on the vitality of encapsulating all the four essential dimensions as the holistic balance of a pragmatic lifestyle while pursuing career/business/wealth goals. All four constitute vital physiology needs, hence none should be neglected in order to acquire a wholesome well-being.

Allow me to interject. In today’s demanding work environment filled with materialism, concerted time is spent by many aspirants on career or business development at the expense of the other life values. For example, ambitious executives striving to climb up the corporate ladder in the shortest time possible will channel full attention toward this desire. Their unrelenting pursuit may be at the expense of laying aside the four dimensions needed for re-energising. They may be sacrificing their need for enough rest, exercise, proper nutrition, fraternity; in addition, they may feel stressful mentally by trying their utmost to meet pressing job expectations. Without discernment, all resilience to persevere will ultimately falter, resulting in burnout or obsessed anxiety – worst still, facing the risk of becoming depressed.

Effectiveness relating to career or business execution is not a one-time measurement. Rather, it is a measurement of successful achievements over a long tenure. It is a matter of long-term sustainability of coveted objectives. The four dimensions, as emphasised by Dr. Steven Covey, form the life essentials that support effective lasting execution contributing to long term success. This is the key message of his programme in the Sharpen the Saw module (Habit No. 7). I firmly believe he intentionally placed this module as the culminating chapter to impress upon his students the efficacy of having a balanced lifestyle whilst driving hard for work goals. I believe he is implying that efforts of the other 6 habits will be nullified if the 7^th is neglected.

Now, may I touch on the Spiritual Dimension. Many people seem to ignore the spiritual perspective – they treat it as the least essential element in their livelihood because of commercial-centric interests.  Spirituality is equally vital, if not more vital, as the other three dimensions. According to psychotherapist Dr. Fred Toke, the other essential needs may prevail as the concerns of most people, yet many do not realise spirituality plays the key link to supporting the overall well-being of a person. The spiritual essence, he says, is akin to the nucleus that holds the other needs cohesively in good balance. His message in this respect, I believe, portrays spiritual activities as an avenue for a person to reflect on the “truths” of proper life purpose, i.e. a balance of values.

Please note that Dr. Steven Covey’s Spiritual Dimension does not relate only to religious spirituality. Included in the realm are platforms that inspire personal morale, moral values, peace and composure; or simply put – the feel good activities. For example, engaging in good deeds like charity may instill inner sense of joy. Other examples are reading autobiographies of revered historical icons and listening to inspirational songs. Any activity that uplifts moral, morale and intellectual well-being is a spiritual ingredient.

Sum Up:

Resoluteness to achieve a coveted objective is just a noble desire. The ability to persevere without faltering and to stay on course continuously without succumbing to stress is the notable feat. Individual life well-being in today’s upbeat commercial era can only be derived by sustaining a balance of the various need dimensions vis-à-vis work demands.

I end by sharing a few of Dr. Covey’s quotes:

“Our body, mind, and spirit help us accomplish our goals. We must maintain our Production Capability (referring to the four dimensions) to perform well. This, maintaining our personal Production Capability, is the focus of Sharpen the Saw.”

“The idea behind Sharpen the Saw is to make gradual changes from day to day. Taking small, progressive steps consistently has a cumulative effect that is usually more powerful and dynamic than any massive, single effort could ever be.”

“Sharpen the Saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have – YOU. It means having a balanced, systematic programme for self-renewal in the four areas of our lives……..Without this discipline, the body becomes weak, the mind mechanical, the emotions raw, the spirit insensitive, and the person selfish.”