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A self-facilitated program to boost your mental fitness for personal and professional growth
Mental Fitness
The Mindset Shift That Unlocks Optimal Performance and Well-Being
The traditional view of productivity is often driven by a “no pain, no gain” mentality. We tell ourselves that stress is a necessary performance edge and that a frantic, always-on approach is the only way to get ahead. What we don’t realize is that these are the motivations of our Saboteurs, which operate from a place of fear and ultimately lead to burnout.
The truth is, you can maximize your productivity and your well-being at the same time. The secret lies in shifting from a Saboteur mindset to a Sage mindset. The PQ operating system gives you the tools to do this by focusing on two core principles.
1. Maximize Your Time Allocation for Productivity
Do you often look back at the end of the day and realize you were busy but not productive? The problem often lies in how you’re allocating your time. A powerful way to visualize this is by using a simple grid with four quadrants.
High Impact / Battery Charging
This is your optimal work. It’s where you’re making a big difference and feeling energized at the same time.
High Impact / Battery Draining
This is necessary work, but it can lead to burnout if you spend too much time here. Think of budgeting or administrative tasks that are important but may not be enjoyable to you.
Low Impact / Battery Charging
This is where you might get distracted, spending time on tasks that feel good but don’t move the needle on your goals.
Low Impact / Battery Draining
This is work that’s a waste of time, and you should eliminate it whenever possible.
The goal isn’t to be in the “optimal” quadrant 100% of the time, but to proactively shift more of your time and energy there. You do this by using your Sage to interrupt Saboteurs like the Stickler (which forces you to perfect things that don’t need to be perfect), the Controller (which prevents you from delegating effectively), and the Avoider (which keeps you from tackling important projects).
2. Optimize Your Use of Time for Peak Performance
Once you’ve allocated your time effectively, the next step is to make the most of every moment. This involves two key mental fitness strategies.
Use the Right Sage Power
The Sage has five powers: Empathize, Explore, Innovate, Navigate, and Activate. Each power is a tool for a specific job. For example, in a conflict, your Saboteurs might push you to be hyper-rational, but your Sage would tell you to use empathy first to build a connection. When you’re comfortable using all five powers, you’re able to choose the right tool for the job, optimizing your time and effort.
Single-Task, Don’t Multitask
There’s a widespread lie that multitasking is the key to productivity. In reality, it’s a deeply inefficient process that exhausts your brain. When you try to do multiple things at once, you’re constantly switching focus, which comes at a high cognitive cost. Your brain is actually wired for single-tasking. The best way to build this mental muscle is through PQ Reps. These are simple, 10-second exercises that build your capacity for presence and focus.
A Plan for Sustainable Performance and Growth
To make this a sustainable practice, you need a plan. Commit just 5% of your time each day (about 25 minutes) to the following:
Plan your day (5 minutes)
Proactively identify where Saboteurs might trip you up and how you’ll use your Sage to stay on track.
Charge your brain (20 minutes)
Start your day with a full PQ Gym session to get your Sage flywheel turning, and then take short PQ breaks every few hours to keep your brain charged.
By building these habits, you’ll be able to proactively move through your day with a calm, clear, and laser-focused mind. You’ll be more productive, and you’ll also be happier, more energized, and more resilient.
Ready to unlock your potential for performance and well-being? Start by taking the free Saboteur Assessment to discover which inner critics might be holding you back.
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