I got a new license plate frame for my Toyota Camry... on the top it says, "I am, are you?"
On the bottom it says, www. FitAndEffective .com
Recently, someone on a plane asked me what I thought that means. So, I shared my definition of what Fit and Effective means to me... trying something, resting, and trying something else. I believe a lot happens during the "Recovery Time."
Please continue reading!
It means I'm willing to find a mentor, or at least a partner, to hold me accountable to the goals I've set and the actions I take on a regular basis to get from here to there. It means that I'm open to occasional course correction along the way; and the wit to realize when I'm doing something that's NOT effective and changing it to be MORE effective. After significant efforts, they ask me if what I'm doing is worth it.
It means I have the gear I need, and I consistently learn more about the gear I have. Whether is technology, paper-based tools, different systems or even the "productivity tools" I take for granted (stamps for hand-written envelopes, e-mail from my handheld PDA, etc). On a regular basis, I stop and look around and identify the gear that does - and does NOT - work.
It means I practice focusing for longer extended period of time so that when it comes time to REALLY concentrate and get things done I am able to move through the activity with all my "smarts" ready to go.
Being fit and effective means I take care of myself physically; I drink more water than yesterday (up to 8 glasses a day) and I eat meals regularly. I start with a healthy, balanced, relaxed breakfast. Every few months I keep a "food log." And once a year or so, I meet with a nutritionalist.
It means I practice creativity. I regularly schedule "productively creative" workflow sessions that result in more ideas, more possibilities, more commitments, more opportunities than I was aware of before.
It means I will do anything I can to get the "new and useful" idea. I join associations, subscribe to magazines, invite mentors to dinner, attend seminars, read books, rent/borrow videos...anything I can get more input, more information, more ideas...
(Ok, this is an important one...) It means I recognize, report and replace negative associations. Whether there is something in my physical space that is distracting me, or a mental thought that is not helping me get things done, I want to work to replace those with something of equal or greater value. It also means I will take a very honest look at WHO I'm spending time with; in the past 10 years I've had to make some tough decisions, and have some critical conversations with people who were not interested in advancing the mission, in moving forward together, and in encouraging EVERYone involved to get from where they were, to where they could be.
And, finally, being Fit and Effective means (to me) that I continue to "push the envelope" and then make time for recovery when I need it. So, try something, see how it works, debrief it, and ask yourself...was it worth it? If so, do it again...if not, try something else!
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