Zig Ziglar once said “The result of information overload is usually distraction, and it dilutes your focus and takes you off your game”. In other words Capacity Overload Leads to Disengagement!
The same applies to any kind of overload that we experience either personally or professionally.
Capacity Overload
It can sometimes feel like we are juggling multiple balls all at the same time. We can keep the balls moving in sequence while we have the energy and momentum. However when the momentum dips the balls start dropping off. The energy to keep them going has gone.
It is the same for us. When we have a routine, structure and space our life works well. Becoming overloaded leads us to feeling overwhelmed and disengaged. We lose the capacity to be balanced and see clearly.
Excitement can lead to Overload!
Many years ago, I entered into the mining industry. It was a new industry that I had no experience in. It was an exciting time, where I had much to learn. A huge learning curve.
At the time I was at university and it occured to me that if I choose different subjects that were relevant to my new job this would help me settle into my new role more effectively. So off I went and change my subjects and started “cramming” all this new information.
I admit I am very ambitious, so before long I was working long hours to reach my stretch targets and support my team. I was doing on line university study in the evenings and on my days off. Looking after my family and trying to maintain relationships.It felt like I was on a rollercoaster. The pace just seemed to be getting faster and faster.
Something Has to Give!
As we all know when we push ourselves to the maximum over a period of time something has “to give”. This was a classic example of when capacity overload leads to disengagement!
On reflection, my stress levels were “off the scale”. My exercise regime had dropped off. Regular healthy eating took a back seat. No time for fun! Work had become “a chore”!
Does this sound familiar?
Eventually I reached “burnout” and left the company. Note to self, dont make that mistake again! I had taken an amazing opportunity and experience and created a situation of capacity overload and disengagement!
Research shows:-
– Companies with engaged employees outperform those companies who dont by over 200%
– Productivity improves by 20 – 25% in companies where employees are connected
– 57% of employees who said they were very stressed at work felt less productive and disengaged
– Work overload decreases productivity by 68% in employees who feel they don’t have enough hours in the day to complete their tasks.
– 95 % of HR leaders said in a survey that employee burnout is “sabotaging workforce retention.”
So how do we go about reinvigorating our mental and physical energy to prevent capacity overload leads to disengagement?
- Take care of yourself – find a hobby that allows you to completely “switch off” from work. You want to do something that you enjoy, gives you a sense of calm and allows you to recharge and feel rejuvenated.
- Strengthen your working relationships – find common interests that you share with your colleagues. This enables you to create a bit of balance. You get to know your colleagues.
- Check in on your health regularly – ask yourself how your body is feeling and be honest with yourself. How are your sleep patterns? Are you experiencing digestive disturbances? Has you appetite decreased or increased for no apparent reason?
- Focus on areas of your life that bring you joy and create more of these.
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Look forward to hearing your thoughts?