Proactive work—for example, taking the initiative to improve workflows or design new resources—can energize you and create real value. But it also disrupts your routine and drains mental energy, making it harder to focus, make decisions, or stay engaged later in the day. To stay sharp while going the extra mile, take a few simple steps.
Take real breaks to recover. Frequent, purposeful breaks (like walking, breathing deeply, or unplugging from screens) help reset your mental capacity. On days when you’re solving problems or rethinking how things are done, build in recovery time. Encourage your team to do the same.
Restructure tasks around your energy levels. Proactive thinking is best done when your mind is fresh. Block time for it earlier in the day and shift complex or high-stakes tasks to other days when possible. If you manage others, allow for flexibility in how they structure their work.
Ease the pressure to get it perfect. Not every improvement has to be flawless or final. Treat proactive efforts as experiments—try something, observe the impact, and adjust. Lowering the pressure can make proactive work less draining. |
