What's next?

A few years into my first job, I learned a very painful career lesson.

Our agency was awarded a project, and my boss asked me whether I could manage it alongside my existing workload. Otherwise, she was ready to say no to the client.

I said yes. I liked working with that client, and the project offered growth opportunities and new challenges.

It was intense. For two months, I slept just four or five hours a day, and nearly every waking moment was spent working.

The project culminated in a big launch event, which went smoothly, and our client was happy.

As we vacated the venue, I felt all the energy leave my body. I was spent.

The next day at work turned out to be a disaster. The client asked about our sustenance plan to maintain momentum. I had nothing prepared, and had zero energy left in me.

I had planned a beautiful event, but not planned or thought beyond that at all.

I would have to spend another two or three intense weeks preparing for the post-campaign sustenance. I was burned out and felt defeated.

Thankfully, my boss recognised this and assigned someone else to take over the project and keep things rolling.

It was a valuable lesson to always think ahead beyond the next milestone, launch, and meeting.

Today’s Prompts

1 - Work & Career

Write about a time when you felt burned out. What would you do differently now to manage your energy?

2 - Productivity

Have you ever taken on too much at once? What led you to say "yes," and how did it impact you? How can you say “no” in the future?

3 - Work & Career

What’s a recent success you celebrated, and how can you ensure its momentum continues?

4 - Quote of the day

“Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 1,000 percent return on energy.” – Brian Tracy

5 - The 'If you don’t have time’ Prompt

What is one thing you know you have to plan ahead for but have not done so yet?

Get the most out of your journalling:

• Choose one prompt: Focus on just one prompt each day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Be brutally honest: Reflect openly and honestly. This is your safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings.

• Take your time: Sometimes it takes a few days to clarify your thinking. Here’s permission for you to take your time to unravel a prompt and not take on any new ones during that time.

• Journal your way: Whether you prefer writing, audio recording, or video, choose the method that suits you best.

• Don't stress about streaks: If you miss a day, don't worry. You can always revisit a previous prompt.

I’d love your feedback

What was your favourite prompt of the day? Is there any specific challenge you want prompts for? How can I improve the content of the newsletter? Reply this mail and let me know!