Input v. Output: Know What Fills Your Tank

I try to consider my days and weeks in terms of input and output. Not in the sense of measuring how much output I can possibly generate or how absolutely productive I can be, but rather with an eye to being sure that my output and my input are at least somewhat balanced.

“Output” includes those things that deplete my energy, decision-making and creative capacity. Typically, output includes Zoom calls, meetings, conversations, problem solving, writing, social media, deadlines, work travel -- the things that require me to be “on,” to think strategically, produce content and make decisions. Now don’t get me wrong, I love working with the amazing 99 Walks HQ team and incredible Pack. I love speaking at conferences. I love writing. I love long conversations and even longer brainstorming sessions. But all of those things are output and when I haven’t balanced my output with input -- the things that recharge my social, mental and emotional batteries -- I become far less productive and far less happy. 

I know what refuels my tank. Long walks in the woods. Floating in the bay. A cup of coffee shared with Eric at our favorite local coffee shop. A day off or better yet, a weekend off. Closing my computer and leaving it that way. Time spent with my kids, my dog or my friends. A good book and a good night’s sleep.

Last week, my tank was down to critically low levels and the thing that I had to remember is that no one else is coming to refill it. That responsibility falls on me. It was time to flex my “say no” muscle and to put aside my FONDE (a word I made up that stands for “fear of not doing enough”).

Your tank is a precious commodity. Notice what fuels it and what depletes it and protect it accordingly.