My Four Levels of Functioning
Tags: #SelfTalk #Mindfulness #Productivity #Limits #🪴Sapling
Related: Enough
In an effort to be more mindful of my base needs in a system (and in life), it occurred to me that in order to define those, I first needed to accept that those needs fluctuate. Namely, the support that I need depends on my current energy level, the intensity of my motivation, my mood, as well as other physical and mental contexts.
In the end I came up with the following four levels of "functioning" to help me tailor the tools and (most importantly) mindsets I apply in each situation.
1. Survival
- This is the level where I can't fathom doing anything other than just getting through the day
- I therefore need to cut back on anything that isn't absolutely essential. I can always come back later to anything I might have missed on these days.
- All of that isn't to say I can't get anything done at times like these, but I need to be very cognizant of my expectations for myself.
2. Living
- This is one of the two most common levels I'll find myself at, where I may not feel too great, but am still able to keep up with most of life's necessities.
- There are corners being cut here and there, but I'm able to fairly comfortably focus on just living my life.
3. Sustainable Growth
- This is the other most common level, where I feel pretty good, can focus, and am motivated to do (most of) the things I need and want to do.
- I'm able to do not just the essentials (email, phone calls, habits, reviews, etc) but also work towards higher creative aims and planning.
4. Abundance
- This rare level is where my motivation, concentration, and followthrough are so high that I often feel like I can do anything.
- I connect this state to the excitement and enthusiasm from my Special Interests or to ADHD's Hyperfocus.
- The key to making the best out of these times is to focus more on the difficult tasks, or at least breaking down larger, unrefined projects into smaller pieces I can then do on more average days.