How do you build your bandwidth?
As we explored in last week’s newsletter, our bandwidth is critical for functioning optimally.
As this has been a year that has challenged our capacity to maintain our energy, optimism and positive vibe, I want to provide you with a few extra bonuses for you and/ or for your team’s wellbeing.
I have several programs coming up in the next month that dive deeply into how to build our bandwidth. As an end of year gift, we are keeping the early bird rate available till registrations close one week ahead of each program.
1 Professional and Workplace Resilience is on Monday 25th November.
It is a great program that helps to identify many of the challenges we face in our work, the role of the workplace in addressing these and many strategies and tips for building our own resilience and that of our teams.
Participant feedback: Highly recommended. Worthwhile in every area of your life to be professionally and personally resilient. It was amazing, everyone loved attending.
2 Self-Leadership for Women in Healthcare in on Monday 2 December
This highly engaging program helps us lead ourselves the way we want to be led by others, aligning our own leadership values with our approach to self-leadership. I have built a powerful framework for self-leadership that is immediately useful, with many practical tips and strategies for leading yourself in empowering ways.
Participant feedback: Thank you, Michelle. I have learnt so much from the self-leadership program. Thank you so much for your wisdom!
One of the most important places to invest time and energy is in building bandwidth.
As I explored in last week's newsletter, bandwidth represents our cognitive and psychological capacity to function optimally, to navigate our professional and personal demands. It reflects our ability to stay calm, centred and present, absorbing each day's challenges with grace and equanimity.
Tips to Build and Maintain Bandwidth
Let Go of Perfectionism: Embrace the mantra, "Progress is better than perfect." This shift in perspective acknowledges that striving for perfection often leads to procrastination, stress, and a significant drain on our bandwidth. Instead, aim for excellence within reason, focusing on progress and improvement over flawless execution. Recognise that making mistakes is a vital part of learning and growth.
By setting realistic standards and being kind to yourself when outcomes don't meet your highest expectations, you can free up mental and emotional space, allowing for greater creativity, efficiency, and satisfaction in your work and personal life. If this resonates then this previous newsletter may also be of interest.
Delegate and Trust Others: Resist the urge to over-function by taking on more than your share of responsibilities, especially those that can be handled by others. Learn to delegate tasks effectively, trusting the abilities and growth potential of those around you. This not only lightens your own load, making more room for tasks and activities that align with your strengths and goals but also empowers others to develop their skills and confidence.
Establishing clear communication and expectations can ease the transition, helping you to gradually release control and enjoy the benefits of a more balanced and collaborative approach to work and life. By focusing on what truly requires your attention and expertise, you can preserve your bandwidth for the most impactful contributions.
Prioritise Self-Care: Recognising self-care as non-negotiable is essential for maintaining your bandwidth. This involves more than the occasional day off or holiday; it's about integrating practices into your daily routine that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This can include setting a consistent sleep schedule, choosing nutritious foods, staying active, and finding time for activities that relax and rejuvenate you.
By treating self-care as a critical appointment on your calendar, you ensure that you have the energy and resilience needed to face daily challenges. Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a foundation for a productive and fulfilling life.
Set Clear Boundaries: In today’s connected world, it’s easy for work and personal life to blur, draining your bandwidth. Establishing clear boundaries means deciding on specific times when you are available for work and times when you are not.
Communicate these boundaries to colleagues, clients, and family, ensuring they understand and respect your limits. This might involve turning off work emails and notifications after hours or setting aside quality time for family and personal interests without interruptions. Boundaries help you recharge and prevent burnout, making you more effective and present in both personal and professional roles.
Embrace Mindfulness: Incorporating mindfulness into your routine can significantly enhance your ability to manage stress and maintain bandwidth. Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment, observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or even mindful walking can help centre your thoughts and reduce anxiety.
By regularly practicing mindfulness, you'll find yourself reacting more calmly and thoughtfully to stressful situations, rather than being overwhelmed by them. This not only conserves your bandwidth but also improves your overall quality of life.
Lean on Your Community: Human beings are inherently social, and building a supportive community is vital for maintaining bandwidth. This means nurturing relationships with family, friends, and colleagues who can offer support, advice, and a listening ear when needed. Don't hesitate to reach out for help or offer your support to others; shared experiences can lighten your emotional load and provide new perspectives on challenges.
Additionally, consider joining groups or networks related to your interests or profession. These communities can offer resources, encouragement, and a sense of belonging, all of which are invaluable for preserving your bandwidth.
Become a Lifelong Learner: Adopting a mindset of continuous learning not only enriches your life but also expands your bandwidth by fostering adaptability and resilience. Seek out new knowledge, skills, and experiences that challenge you and spark your curiosity. This can involve formal education, but also informal learning opportunities like workshops, webinars, reading, or even engaging conversations with mentors and peers.
By continually updating your skills and expanding your horizons, you prepare yourself to navigate change and uncertainty more effectively, ensuring that you can meet both personal and professional challenges with confidence and creativity.
In conclusion, cultivating bandwidth is not just about managing the demands of today; it's about preparing for the uncertainties of tomorrow. It requires intention, commitment, and a willingness to invest in oneself. As we expand our capacity to be present and effective in our personal and professional lives, we not only navigate challenges with grace but also unlock the potential for genuine fulfilment and impact.
Final reminder that we have several programs coming up in the next month that dive deeply into how to build our bandwidth. As an end of year gift, we are keeping the early bird rate available till registrations close one week ahead of each program.
1 Professional and Workplace Resilience is on Monday 25th November.
2 Self-Leadership for Women in Healthcare in on Monday 2 December