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Professionally, maybe you have a dysfunctional project (or relationship) that you’ve been trying to turn around for a while. You sense that life would be better if you gracefully wrapped things up, but you don’t want to quit because you’ve already put so much energy into trying to make it work.
you should ignore past investments of time, effort, or money. As long as you’re living in a world where time moves forward and not back, those past costs are sunk and gone.
WHEN SOMEONE ELSE SCREWS UP
here are three ways to draw someone out of defensive mode—or
Acknowledge how it feels for them.
Assume “good person, bad circumstances.”
Focus on finding solutions, not on blame.
MOVING ON
Reappraise the situation.
Ditch your sunk costs.
Find a way through when someone screws up.
Staying Strong
SLEEP THE GOOD SLEEP
EXERCISE YOUR MIND
MINDFULNESS MOMENTS
It’s centered on the following steps: pause for a moment; choose to focus on something with all of your attention; and if your attention drifts away, just return it to your point of focus without judging yourself.
STAYING STRONG
Sleep.
Exercise.
Mindfulness.
Energy Boosting Your Enthusiasm and Enjoyment
Topping Up the Tank
THREE GOOD THINGS
take a moment to think about three positive things that have happened to you. And yes, you will feel better as a result, even if the good things aren’t very big. In fact, several studies found that doing this each day for just one week left people saying they still felt happier months later.1
So whenever you need a burst of energy, think of three things that have gone well today, things you’re grateful for, or simply moments that made you smile.
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
FIND SOMETHING INTERESTING
GIVE YOURSELF A QUICK WIN
MAKE TIME FOR HUMAN CONNECTION
FIND THE PERSONAL PURPOSE
DON’T FORGET TO SMILE
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER: KNOW THYSELF
Draw a timeline from morning to night. Plot some of the peaks and troughs you’ve experienced in recent days (or weeks)—the moments when you’re full of energy, and moments when you feel depleted.
Notice the patterns in your highs and lows. What reliably lifts or depresses your energy level? Here are some categories to consider:
Mental: analysis, creative thinking, planning, reading
Physical: exercise, travel, m...
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Social: specific individuals, types of people, being in...
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Surroundings: music and sounds, workspace, nat...
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Time of day: circadian rhythms, family or pe...
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Then decide how to apply your most reliable energy boosts to smooth out the troughs. In particular:
manufacture a peak or two: for example, plan a conversation with a friend or tackle a task you always enjoy.
surrounding yourself with things that boost you—perhaps an uplifting location, energizing people, or some upbeat music.
THE PEAK-END EFFECT (OR: WHY YOU SHOULD ALWAYS END ON A HIGH NOTE)
An evening routine that includes the “three good things” exercise is an excellent way of changing the way that you remember the day.
TOPPING UP THE TANK
Experiment with the seven energy boosters. See which of these works best for you: three good things; random acts of kindness; finding something interesting; giving yourself a quick win; making time for social connection; finding a personal purpose; smiling widely (even if you’re not quite feeling it).
Know thyself.
End on a high note.
Playing to Your Strengths
“character strengths,”
