Practical Advice For Better Living.

There are an amazing number of effective tools to beat fatigue. This is part five of a series on how to get your energy back right now.

Tool #5 Face an Easy Fear.

You’ve got an important task to accomplish. Perhaps the deadline on your dissertation is looming. Maybe the boss is waiting for your sales report. You’ve set aside some time to finish your work, but when you sit down all of the energy drifts out of you. For the next couple hours you either work half-heartedly or wander over to reddit. My body often starts craving a nap. All the work material could be there to facilitate some accomplishment. That may not be enough.

There’s a chance some hidden desires are burdening you. We often make obligations to ourselves that are hard to follow through on.  I made a personal promise to myself to memorize the first 2000 characters of the Japanese kanji by the end of the year. In my recent move to California from New York I’ve fallen way behind in reaching this goal. I’ve noticed frequent nagging thoughts to catch up. It occurred on the plane and during brainstorming sessions at work. Each reflection has been distracting and draining. Today, despite the fact learning Japanese is a subgoal, I set aside 3 hours to catch up on my flash cards. My energy is now through the roof. The rest of day is easily going to be twice as productive.

If you’re tired ask yourself, “What are all the things I’m afraid of right now?”

Immediately tackle the one fear that takes the least amount of time and effort. Consider the energy expenditure an investment in more energy. Call your mom. Search craigslist for a new apartment. Pay your credit card bill. Send your friend an email asking for advice on how to write that code. Finish the next couple pages of your novel. This isn’t procrastination towards something more important. It’s a recognition of your emotional limits. Return to the big goal when you’re ready.

Go back to the How to Beat Fatigue series.

- Adam Widmer