It’s not about Getting More Done (why slowing down actually boosts your impact)
Why “More Productivity” Can Backfire
Whether you’ve been here with me for a bit or we’re just getting started, know that burnout is a part of my story:
I still remember sitting in an office on one beautiful summer day while ordering lunch, talking to an intern with the menus, received and answered a phone call, had a conversation with the caller while writing down my order and conversing with the intern, to hang up and hand the completed ordering sheet back, all in less than a minute.
The intern paused with awe on her face and asked, “Whoa! How did you just do that?”
I’m exhausted just typing it now but you know how that comment made me feel? Like a f#cking productive bada$$. You know what that repeated overload got me? Quitting my job two hours after a promotion I had worked five years towards.
Fast forward ten years later and I get to support working moms and parents in avoiding their own version of burnout while being a great employee and caregiver.
Needless to say, productivity is important and I get that. And a lot of us want to work on our time management skills. I get it, too. But hear me out:
What if it’s not about getting more done, it’s just getting done what you have to in a way that works better for you? In a way that gives you time and energy back for things that you want?
A Simple Shift That Gives You More Capacity
It's been almost five years now and I'll never forget a webinar where they shared how to use the cycles of the moon to support you in reaching your goals.
They went on to talk about how humans weren't machines and that if we tapped into our bodies, we could actually be more productive than just go go go.
Like, what?
Mind you: I was about six months pregnant with my second babe, staying up past midnight because the replay of this class was going to expire. So let’s just say this idea of allowing rest and slowness was brand new information to me.
As I continue to reflect over the last year and beyond, I'm reminded how I've adopted this cyclical pattern into my life in a way that feels juicy and fun. This takes crossing your To Dos off in a chaotic whirlwind and busyness to focus and calm.
The more I share this idea of using cycles - either the moon or menstrual cycle - as a productivity hack with my clients, the more delicious it gets.
Ready for the Reader's Digest version of this wisdom? (Side note: Anyone remember those?)
The main cycles of the moon are new moon, waxing, full moon and waning.
The four seasons we recognize are winter, spring, summer and fall.
The cycles in a hormonally feminine body go menstrual, follicular, ovulation and luteal.
With me so far? Here's where it gets fun:
Winter is a time of dark, rest, going inward in the same way that the beginning of a menstrual cycle and a new moon feel.
Think: ideating on a new project, journaling on what you want your life to look like or simply resting.
Spring is a time of planting seeds, new beginnings just like a waxing moon and follicular phase. What potential of what can be!
Think: Starting a new project, trying a new workout or coming up with a new way to manage your time ;)Summer is where everything gets hot and spicy like ovulation and a full moon.
Think: Launching a project, going out with friends or presenting in a company meeting.
Fall means leaves die and we start to bundle up a la the luteal phase of turning inward or the waning moon.
Think: Wrapping up a project, long chunks to focus and focus on details or clean out your junk drawer.
Now, if you think about how everything can be related to the four phases I just listed above, can you see how these cycles already show up in your life and your body? *Note: If you don't have a menstrual cycle, use the moon cycles to support you.
The Power of Doing Less - with more Intention- in an Overwhelm Culture
What if you can start using this understanding of high and low periods of energy to support you, to help you understand when to go and when to rest?
Here’s a simple step to get you started:
Over the next week, set a timer three times a day to check in with your energy levels. At the end of the day, make a quick note about what went well and when you felt your best. At the end of the week, review your notes for any themes.
Read: It’s not about doing less, it’s about intentional productivity and being aware of our own cycles to lean in and get more done when it feels right. If you’ve heard the term Slow Productivity, it’s a very similar idea so permission to play around with what works for you the best.
More to come here! Consider this the 101 on using cycles to support your productivity, time management and energy.
Want a free download to track your energy through the day and support you in connecting to your body’s wisdom? Drop your email below and I’ll send it your way!
Also remember, this is a journey and one step at a time gets you a long way in a short time. If this feels overwhelming, check out this post on Regulating Your Nervous System Here or maybe starting with Increasing your Steps feels better right now. You do you, Boo.
Hey, I’m Caitlin! I’m a certified health coach and life coach and I’m here to bring sustainable change into your day so that you have the time and energy you need for the things that matter most.
Want more support? Check out my other posts, learn more about coaching here or book a call with me here. You can always sign up for my newsletter, below, to receive these posts straight to your inbox, too!
Let me know how it goes you magical being, you. What do you want to know more about? Let me know!