In-Between the Pages: Optimal You

I felt incredible. My mind was very clear that day. I felt like I had the scope of my entire day laying our in front of me so clearly. Every step, every resource, and everything I needed to be successful was there lined up. The day went on and it was fluid. I felt incredibly poised to deliver with excellence and confidence. From one focus to the next, not to much, just enough to keep me engaged. No multitasking. It was a flawless day of execution. I accomplished a lot. I felt the spirit of Stephen Curry after another huge win delivering what truly great looks like when your at the top of your game. It was awesome.

Similar to what you’ve ever felt at your optimal self? How long can you maintain that? Where do your reserves come from to carry that kind of intensity? I’ve been checking into a lot of things to better optimize myself. Not just for work, but personally optimize myself. Like my post earlier this week, I want to find that magic formula for myself and try to make it scalable so I can share it forward. It’s not a super solider serum though, and like Marvel, I’ve been unable to replicate it. It’s been hit or miss.

My interest has really been diving into willpower and how maintaining a willpower reserve through out the day, not depleting it right of the gates is one element that can help. There was a great article recently that I happened upon on doing my research by Chris Bailey called Five Smart Ways to Spend Your Willpower Wisely Normally, I would steer you away from lists, but this one is an exception and well written/researched. Here’s the takeaway Chris starts you out with:

You start each day with a full tank of willpower but your willpower is limited-as you expend it over the day, it’s possible to run out, after which your productivity and self-control are toast.

That said, you essentially lose the ability to run at your optimized and best version of yourself if you don’t spend your willpower right. Never looked at willpower in this light, but as I stated above I was looking for some common denominators that you can add to ANY formula you are creating for the best version of yourself and this is one.

Take a look at the full article. It’s worth the time to read it before you start your day. The initial choices you make will definitely be thought about more carefully before you move forward.

Thanks for reading, appreciate your time. Hope this help you find your optimal self.

- Shawn