Engage- The Fifth Reminder

Introduction
​We are living in a hustle culture where it seems like we have to work all the time and be constantly productive in order to be successful or even considered worthy. But when we get caught up in this hustle and bustle it can start to take away from the joy that used to be associated with the activities we used to enjoy. It is important to take time for joy in order to be more productive in our work, however, without sacrificing our own well-being. In this article we will explore how to engage more with your work, and incorporate joyful activities and movement outside of work. Despite the hustle culture, incorporating joy into our lives can help us work smarter, not longer.

Understand Your Goals
​It's easy for our goals to get lost in the hustle culture. When we're so focused on getting everything done quickly, we can forget why we're working in the first place. To bring back a sense of joy, it’s important to take a step back and think about our goals. To help us reframe our goals, it's important to prioritize meaningful goals over short-term ones and set realistic, achievable goals. When we focus on meaningful goals, we can pace ourselves better and create achievable and consistent progress. This helps us build momentum and enjoy our journey instead of just reaching our destination.

Break Up Your To-Do List
​It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when your to-do list starts piling up. Instead of trying to take it all on at once, break up your to-do list into manageable chunks. This will help you focus on one task at a time and make progress more quickly. Additionally, it’s important to set realistic time limits for each task. For example, you could set a goal to finish a certain task within an hour, or take a break after every 45 minutes of work. This will help you stay motivated and keep your energy levels high. Finally, don’t be afraid to take frequent breaks throughout the day. Getting up to stretch or take a quick walk can help you recharge and be more productive when you return to work.

Celebrate the Small Wins
​We often forget to give ourselves credit for the small wins in life—it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and overlook the little successes that bring us joy. Acknowledging small accomplishments can help us to enjoy the journey more than the destination, and gain a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Celebrating small wins can also help us reframe failure as a learning experience, allowing us to see the bigger picture and stay focused on our goals. So next time you complete a task or achieve a small milestone, take a moment to acknowledge and enjoy the feeling of victory. It’ll give you that extra push to keep going.

Set Aside Time for Joy
​Finding joy can be difficult when we are caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. To start reclaiming joy, it’s important to identify the activities that bring you joy and set aside time to do them. Balancing work and self-care is essential for feeling fulfilled and enjoying life. Scheduling joy-filled activities into your week is a great way to make sure that you are taking care of yourself in addition to taking care of your work. When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to focus and be productive in the long run. Taking a break from work to do something that brings us joy can help us refocus and stay energized.

Take a Technology Break
​In the hustle culture, it can be easy to get caught up in the latest gadgets and technology. It's important to take some time away from these screens to not only give your eyes a break, but to give yourself a break too. Unplugging from technology gives you the opportunity to focus on other activities that will bring joy to your life. There are plenty of analog activities to choose from. Consider journaling, coloring, taking a yoga class, or going for a walk. Reconnecting with nature can help ground you and provide perspective. You may find yourself feeling more refreshed and energized afterwards.

Taking a technology break can also provide you with a sense of relaxation and allow you to take a step back from the hustle. It can be hard to step away, but the rewards are worth it. You will be able to enjoy activities that bring you joy and help you to break out of your routine. By taking a technology break, you can enjoy a much needed break from the hustle culture.

Conclusion
​As busy professionals, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the hustle culture and fall into the trap of thinking that success and productivity come from working all the time. However, by taking some time to enjoy the journey and set aside time for joy, we can gain perspective and find a better balance between work and self-care. Joyful activities that may seem trivial can help us stay energized and productive throughout the work day, without having to put in longer hours.

So, remember the fifth reminder: engage. Invest in joy and you’ll find that taking a break can be just as beneficial for your work life as working harder.