Latest news with #balance
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Meghan reveals ‘hardest part' of new job and how Prince Harry helps
IN LONDON Meghan has opened up about her struggles as a working mother, crediting Prince Harry with helping her keep the 'balance' in their lives. In a bonus episode of her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, released on Tuesday, the Duchess of Sussex told guest Tina Knowles (AKA Beyoncé's mum), that keeping everything in check while working towards a goal is 'one of the hardest lessons' to earn. Meghan went on to detail some of her strategies for slowing down and being present in her life, including simply '[taking] a minute to breathe' and 'having a date night'. She added: '[Harry and I] have a date night tonight.' While Meghan didn't elaborate on their plans, it comes just a few weeks after the pair was spotted looking cosy at Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour stop in Los Angeles. She shared an album of pictures on Instagram afterwards, writing: 'About last night …. Thank you Beyonce and team for an amazing concert (and a very fun date night)! All love.' The parents-of-two also celebrated their seven-year wedding anniversary on May 19, with Meghan posting a series of never-before-seen shots online. Her latest podcast episode follows a new report that Meghan extended an invitation to country singer Dolly Parton to appear on her Netflix series but was turned down. The first season of the Duchess of Sussex's show, With Love, Meghan, was released in March and featured eight episodes, each with different guests. According to royal and entertainment commentator Kinsey Schofield, the country singer's team was 'livid' at the request. 'Because no, they don't want to risk Dolly's reputation Q score [and] her popularity by associating with Meghan Markle,' she alleged in a recent podcast episode of The Nerve with Maureen Callahan. 'They knew that this ask was just to give Meghan Markle credibility in this lifestyle space, a space that Dolly does have a lot of credibility in. 'Dolly is not only incredibly popular and loved by the general public, but she also is somebody who can float around within these different places. 'Her team really feels like Meghan was trying to take advantage of her popularity.'
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Carmen Bsaibes Is The Bazaar Arabia June 2025 Issue Cover Star
What does 'Having It All' really mean? Carmen Bsaibes opens up about motherhood, stepping back, and stepping forward with grace, grit and a new sense of purpose 'Your priorities shift, but at the same time you manage to do everything, altogether.' Showing up for work 60 days after giving birth is challenge enough, but doing so photo-ready, at a time when women are arguably at their most vulnerable – both physically and mentally – shows the strength, professionalism, and confidence of acclaimed Lebanese actor Carmen Bsaibes. Speaking a couple of weeks later, Carmen smiles, comfortably ensconced in her Beirut base, when she admits, 'I managed it, but my head was everywhere. I don't know how I managed it.' And although she makes quick decisions – like taking on her latest role filming a special appearance in an Egyptian movie – by 'not overthinking things,' the process of adjustment has not been as seamless as it looks. And it did look effortless; after all, this was the woman who stunned in a red sheath dress at the Bvlgari Calla launch in Paris, just weeks before welcoming baby Andrea into her life. 'When I got offered the role, I got excited about it. It's something really cool,' she tells us. 'But I was a bit nervous about the whole situation. It's all very different for me, being a new mother – I wondered, 'How will I manage everything?' But then I thought, all my friends and the women around me work – whatever their job is, they all do work. So, I told myself, I'm going to do it. I will not overthink it. I think everything is possible workwise. That's how it happened.' Travelling back and forth to different locations has always been an intrinsic part of the Eugenie Nights star's life, so her current routine is no different. Except she now has an entourage with her to help out on babysitting duties while she is on set. 'I manage a lot of things at the same time. There are lots of logistics. But my family is flexible. I have help.' She is visibly excited when she says, 'I'm back on track. I'm back to the film set,' firmly putting her short maternity leave behind her. Carmen, 35, shrugs when asked if there was pressure – from both the industry and fans – to return from her hiatus quickly. 'I didn't feel the pressure. My fans were so excited for me to come back. I always see on social media how excited they are. They were happy for me when I was pregnant, when I had a baby. And they are happy and excited for me to come back to work, but I didn't feel the pressure from people or society or the industry – not at all – because, honestly, that is not my personality. I'm someone who's very focused on myself. I don't compare or look outside at what's happening. I know what my trajectory is and what my path is career wise. But between me and myself, I was ready. I felt I was ready, physically and mentally, to go back to work. And that is what happened.' Perhaps this decision was partly based on the fact that Carmen took an extended – somewhat forced – sabbatical from work during her pregnancy. 'I finished filming my last series, Look of Love, in April [2024]. I had a long nine-month break,' she recalls. 'I did red carpets and events, but I wasn't filming. To be honest I wasn't capable of filming anyways during my first trimester because it was a hard pregnancy for me. The first four months were hard so it was impossible for me to work.' Ironically that was how she managed to keep her pregnancy under wraps until she was ready to share the news with the world last September, via a poignant Instagram post which referenced hardships fellow mothers were going through due to the conflict in the region. 'I thought I would work through the first few months of my pregnancy but I just couldn't. I didn't go out. I stayed home and rested. So, no one noticed!' Carmen last graced our cover three years ago at a pivotal time in her career, wrapping up the third – and final – season of her career-defining series Bride of Beirut. Since then, she has made sure to diversify the roles she's taken on, imbuing characters with her trademark dramatic flair. But she'll always be identified with that role. 'People really loved that series. Sometimes I don't get called Carmen in the streets. They shout, Bride of Beirut!' When we last spoke, her deep love for her craft was evident. And that dedication hasn't wavered. 'I take a lot of time to read and dig deep into the script; this is the phase that is sacred for me. So, whenever I'm on a project, I like to read the script over and over again. I start to imagine her tics, her style, the way she talks, she walks, everything. And then I try to get inspired by people around me that might look like this character, that might have the same personality as this character. I observe a lot – that's part of being an actress, the journey. I think an actor is an observer. I get impressed and mesmerised by someone who's in front of me. Whenever I am on a job, I observe, I remember people that are similar to this character, and then I start overdoing it and trying stuff, but I always keep space for imagination and improvisation on set. I like things to be organic.' 'My main passion is acting, being on set,' she tells us, while we discuss whether stepping back was ever an option. In a world where everyone is striving to become famous for fame's sake, that was never her goal, given she guards her private life fiercely. But there are aspects of being in the limelight that she revels in. When discussing the fashion world, and dressing for appearances she admits, 'This is the part where I breathe. I enjoy shooting couture and jewellery. The glamorous side of our job is a lot of fun. You get to show a different side of your personality, your feminine side. I really enjoy it.' The key, she insists is to have balance, both personally and professionally. Control what you can, but don't be adamant to sticking to things that require adapting. 'My dreams are quite clear. I have a general idea of what I like to do, and what I want to do. But I don't plan a lot for the future. I don't put a plan in place and stick to it. I'm not the kind of person who would tell you, 'I will be doing this next year.' I like to follow my instinct. I like to be surprised by the future. So, I try to have a balance.' She warms to the theme of balance when talking about the profound change a child can have on one's life. Musing over whether you can actually have it all, she insists, 'I cannot say you don't sacrifice and you won't compromise, that's for sure. It's inevitable. But at the same time, you can have it all – but you will be sacrificing and compromising.' She adds, 'Life with a child is different. You think about her all the time. Her priorities are now more important than yours. So, you will be sacrificing in a way, and making compromises, but it is a choice you willingly make.' There was never even a thought of stepping away from her profession though. 'I wouldn't consider it,' she says vehemently. 'My ambitions are clear, I have a lot of dreams, and I'm passionate about my job. I know that I will keep on doing what I love. But at the same time, I know that when I need a break, I can take a break. This happened last year. I got pregnant, I took a break. It's not easy. When you are in a project, you're overloaded, you have intensive working hours, you film a lot, you're into a character. It could be complex. So sometimes for four months, five months, it's quite intensive. After projects like these, you have to take a break, so it's all in the balance.' Carmen is known for wanting to gatekeep her personal life, so how did her new arrival impact that decision, given how invested fans were about this new chapter in her life? 'I think it's going to be the same as I've always been. I am private about my private life, and this is part of my private life. And even more so because now she's a baby. She's not a decision maker, so I'm going to protect her, and whenever or whatever she decides to share about herself, she will do when she's conscious and grown-up. But for now, definitely, I will be private about her.' Motherhood has altered her fundamentally. 'Oh, my gosh, it has changed me. I always had empathy, and I always felt for others… But now, I cannot even imagine what people go through after losing their child or seeing their child suffer for reasons they are not capable of changing. Now I can see it even more clearly. My baby – it's your heart, it's part of you – seeing her go through all of this… So, yes, it's another perspective. When I was pregnant, I thought I knew what it felt like, but now I literally feel it within my deep, deep self and heart. All I think about is wanting to protect her, how I want her to feel safe. I want to give her the world.' Would she be open to her daughter following in her footsteps? She says, 'Andrea has to do something she loves. This is how I want her to follow my path. I did what I love. I want her to do what she loves.' Lead Image: Earrings in White Gold with Pear Sapphires, Diamonds, Buff-top Sapphires and Pavé-set Diamonds; Polychroma Necklace in White Gold with a Royal Blue Sugarloaf Sapphire, Bufftop Sapphires, Diamonds and Pavé-set Diamonds; Polychroma Ring in White Gold with a Cushion Sapphire, Buff-top Sapphires, Diamonds and Pavé-set Diamonds, POA, all Bvlgari High Jewellery. Dress, Dhs14,900, Giambattista Valli
Forbes
22-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Ways To Prioritize Friendships And Decenter Love, By A Psychologist
It can be challenging to maintain friendships the way we once did when we're in a new romantic ... More relationship, but finding a balance is crucial. Here's how. If you've ever been guilty of treating romance as your ultimate goal in life, you're not alone. Too often, being happily single is demonized while being romantically involved is put on a pedestal. Societal conditioning can make us believe that our relationship with our partners is the most important one we'll ever have, which in turn makes us devote significant amounts of time and energy to these connections. Unfortunately, this conditioning can also make us treat cherished friends as placeholders until we've found 'the one,' only to stop prioritizing them as much when we meet someone new. Entering a romantic relationship can be exciting and full of novelty, but it often brings significant shifts in social dynamics. One of the most common challenges is learning how to balance a new relationship with existing friendships, without making either party feel unimportant. When we become consumed by the thrill of romance and only reach out to our friends to talk about our significant other, they may start to feel used. We might stop planning outings with them, call them less than before and start to experience a subtle emotional distance, no matter how unintentional. However, our friendships, like our romantic connections, deserve intention. They deserve time, energy and consistent effort, and most of all, to never be taken for granted. It's entirely possible to nurture meaningful friendships while allowing a romantic connection to flourish. Here are three ways to strike this balance. When people experience significant life transitions such as entering a romantic relationship, they allocate their time and energy to relationships differently. One common shift is the tendency to deprioritize friendships once a romantic bond forms. While it's understandable that your time and social energy may become limited, side-lining friendships entirely can lead to social isolation, becoming overly reliant on your partner to fulfill your emotional needs and becoming an absent, unreliable friend to those you care for. A 2015 study published in Human Nature found that friendships last longer when people actively put in the effort. Researchers found that for men, shared activities help maintain closeness. For women, consistent communication and meaningful conversations are more effective. For instance, it's essential to let your friends know about your changing availability while affirming their importance in your life. This helps maintain their trust and prevent emotional distance. Even simple statements like 'I've been a bit caught up lately, but I'd love to catch up this week,' can go a long way in maintaining relational equity. Of course, it's not enough to mention wanting to stay connected. It's equally important to follow through and be consistent. Whether that means setting a reminder to call them every week or having a standing meet-up you don't compromise on, set aside time for them and commit to it. While you may not be able to spend as much time with them as before, quality can make up for quantity. Even brief but meaningful interactions can preserve emotional closeness and keep friendships strong. Friendships often reflect who we are outside of romantic relationships. Losing touch with them can mean losing parts of ourselves. A 2018 study published in Sociological Research Online found that lasting female friendships are rarely treated as life goals, despite offering emotional depth and support. Lead author Maree Martinussen suggests that society promotes confidence and self-sufficiency but downplays the value of deep friendships, framing them as necessary, but always secondary to romantic or sexual partnerships. This perspective causes us to sideline friendships while glamorizing romantic love. However, when we reflect on how friendships offer support, emotional strength, joy, a sense of community and belongingness, a space for personal growth, a space to be compassionate toward others and so much more, it reminds us that they're invaluable. Friendships that came before a romantic relationship are built on fulfilling emotional connections, shared values, history and interests, and they shouldn't be lost just because you're in love. Staying connected involves a significant mindset shift, reframing friendships as irreplaceable and constantly worth investing in. A single person cannot and should not support all our emotional needs. Emotional granularity, which refers to the ability to experience and distinguish a wide range of nuanced emotions, is best supported when different people fulfil different emotional needs in our lives. While a romantic partner may offer intimacy and deep commitment, friends often provide crucial perspective, shared history and a sense of identity continuity. A 2014 study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science exploring the concept of 'emotionships' or emotion-based relationships sheds light on how people turn to different individuals depending on their emotional state. For instance, someone might reach out to one friend when feeling sad, another when anxious and a third when excited. People instinctively associate different friends with different emotional needs. When experiencing a specific emotion, they're more likely to think of and value the friend who typically helps them cope with or better experience that feeling. Relying too much on one person can make it hard to tell where your emotions end and theirs begin. This is known as emotional enmeshment. However, having healthy, fulfilling friendships helps you stay grounded, manage your feelings and retain a healthy sense of individuality. Having a diverse number of emotionships, rather than relying heavily on just one or two people, is also associated with greater emotional well-being. In fact, this diversity appears to be more beneficial than simply having a large number of close friends. Your friends have stood by you for years. You've laughed, cried and beat boredom with them, grown with them and likely, because of them. So, remind yourself that love exists in multiple forms, and deserves to be nurtured, be it romantic or platonic. Do you feel as connected to your friends as you do your romantic partner? Take this science-backed test to find out: Social Connectedness Scale
Entrepreneur
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
Beyond the Checkered Flag: Why Real Productivity is a Marathon, Not the Indy 500
There is nothing quite like the roar of engines at the Indianapolis 500. It takes strategic precision to make a NASCAR pit stop. As a world obsessed with achievement, productivity... This story originally appeared on Calendar There is nothing quite like the roar of engines at the Indianapolis 500. It takes strategic precision to make a NASCAR pit stop. As a world obsessed with achievement, productivity is often equated with speed. As we go through our to-do lists, we imagine ourselves conquering deadlines like a finely tuned machine — just like in Formula 1 or NASCAR. Faster, more efficient work is alluring. However, this perception of productivity as pure speed is often misleading and ultimately unsustainable. Although racing cars pushing their limits is undeniably thrilling, long-term productivity isn't likely with a car built for short bursts of power. Instead, it's something more nuanced, resilient, and enduring. As the engines rev high in this Indy 500 and NASCAR season, let's pull into the pit lane and examine 15 compelling reasons why sustainability, balance, and purposeful action over time trump productivity as sheer velocity. 1. The Long Haul: Sustainability Over the Short Burst of Speed A racecar's acceleration out of a corner is a work of engineering. But the speed can only last so long before pit stops become inevitable. After all, fuel gauges plummet, tires degrade, and a dedicated crew is needed to keep it running. Similarly, viewing your productivity as a constant sprint will lead to burnout. Instead, visualize yourself as a hybrid vehicle that is efficient and enduring while navigating the complexities of daily life. The secret to sustainable productivity is maintaining a pace without frequent breakdowns—mentally, emotionally, or physically. In the long run, it's not about how fast you can complete a task but how consistently you can make progress without sacrificing your well-being. 2. Precision over Pace: Quality Reigns Supreme Over Mere Quantity A racecar's primary goal is to cross the finish line first, regardless of its aesthetic appeal. The real world, however, isn't a numbers game where you tick off the most boxes. In other words, it is about how you complete your tasks and how they impact the world. In contrast, completing two high-impact, meaningful projects with care, attention to detail, and thoughtful implementation is far more valuable than crossing off ten trivial tasks quickly. As a result of sustainable productivity, excellence is prioritized over speed and depth over volume. Instead of asking 'How many things can I cram into my morning?' ask: 'What are the most important things I can do well today — that will move the needle?' 3. The Essential Pit Crew: Recognizing the Need for Regular Maintenance For racecars to perform at their best, meticulous and regular maintenance is required. Fine-tuning, rigorous inspections, and vital refueling constantly improve their performance. Failure on the track would be inevitable if these pit stops were ignored. You are no different as a high-performing individual. To maintain productivity, you must regularly rest, reset your mind, and take active recovery breaks. Further, you can't function without sleep; it refuels you. Also, a vacation or a hobby isn't a distraction; it's essential for long-term resilience and performance. Overall, taking breaks is not a weakness; it's a strategic pit stop for your mind. Without these vital maintenance periods, your productivity will falter, and your engine will sputter. 4. The Red Flag of Burnout: Avoiding the Crushing Cost of Constant Full Throttle When you push yourself to the absolute limit, running at 'full throttle' every single day, you might feel empowered and proud of your accomplishments. Burnout, however, results from this unsustainable pace, which leads to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Unlike machines engineered for maximum speed, humans thrive on rhythm and variation. Our capacity is maintained and recharged by alternating periods of intense work and genuine rest. The key to long-term productivity is not to push harder all the time—it's to pace yourself, not exhaust yourself before reaching your goals. 5. The Strategic Laps: Focusing on the Long Game, Not Just the Immediate Sprint Typically, racecars travel around a defined track at relatively high speeds for a relatively short period of time. The reality, though, is that work and life are rarely quick laps. In terms of endurance, they are more akin to a marathon than a sprint. Take, for example, the timeless fable about the tortoise and the hare. Despite its initial burst of speed, the hare is ultimately inconsistent and flashy. As the tortoise moves slowly and steadily, it focuses on making consistent, intentional progress. What is the outcome? In the end, the tortoise, with its sustainable approach, crosses the finish line. Over time, we achieve far greater results when we prioritize long-term habits and progress that, while maybe less dramatic in the short run, are much more effective. 6. The Inner Compass: Mindset Matters More Than External Metrics Tire wear, fuel consumption, and lap times determine precise metrics during a race. It is fiercely competitive, and the emphasis often shifts to quantifiable results. Productivity isn't a competition against others or a pursuit of arbitrary metrics. To achieve sustainable productivity, you have to be growth-oriented. You shouldn't compare yourself to some idealized notion of 'hyper-productivity' or strive to 'win' daily. Instead, it means showing up with intention, taking lessons from both successes and failures, solving problems, and continuously evolving your processes. By detaching productivity from the need to compete constantly, you foster curiosity, reflection, and genuine improvement — qualities that fuel long-term success far more effectively than the constant pursuit of speed. 7. The Adaptive Chassis: Embracing Adaptability Over Rigid Optimization Each racecar is meticulously tuned for its particular track. However, it is important to note that if those conditions change unexpectedly, a sudden downpour, loose gravel on the tracks, and unexpected sharp curves can ruin their carefully calibrated performance. To be productive, you must be resilient and adaptable to the inherent unpredictability of life and work. For example, meetings run over schedule, there are always unexpected crises, and, occasionally, family emergencies require immediate attention. Alternatively, projects change direction. In other words, life rarely goes according to plan. Truly productive people pivot, reprioritize effectively, and maintain forward momentum even when their plans fail. 8. The Enduring Engine: Prioritizing Endurance Over Exhaustion In exchange for their phenomenal speed during a relatively short race, racecars consume enormous fuel. In contrast, a racecar with a dedicated fuel team has finite energy reserves that require careful management to last a long time. Over time, treating each day like an all-out sprint will deplete your physical and mental resources. Instead, focus on strategic energy management, including; When you are most energetic, take care of your most important tasks. Protecting your downtime for genuine recovery Leaving behind the guilt pervasive in 'hustle culture' with active mindfulness. Actual productivity is about building endurance rather than continually pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion. 9. The Resilient Frame: Resilience Beats the Fragility of Pure Speed Executing tasks quickly can be impressive — until something goes wrong. We all encounter obstacles, whether a missed deadline, a project setback, or a critical rejection. When these moments arise, speed is irrelevant. In the end, what matters the most is your resilience—your ability to regroup and refocus your efforts after a setback and recover effectively from it. Productive individuals don't always avoid failure; they learn from their mistakes, adjust their approach, and keep moving forward with renewed commitment. In terms of sustained productivity and growth, resilience is the ultimate superpower. 10. Navigating the Complexities: Productivity Demands More Than Simple Velocity There is nothing complicated about a racecar's primary purpose: to navigate a loop as rapidly as possible. On the other hand, your daily work routine is likely to be far more complex and multifaceted. Every day, you are juggling emails, managing meetings, making strategic decisions, resolving creative problems, and managing interpersonal dynamics — often all before lunch. As a result of this inherent complexity, speed alone is not enough. It requires skillful prioritization, system-thinking abilities, emotional regulation, and effective communication. The key to true productivity lies in discernment — choosing the right next steps, delegating tasks strategically, and allocating your energy wisely. 11. Strategic Tuning: Optimization, Not Uncontrolled Overdrive Many people mistakenly think productivity comes from working harder and longer hours. Despite this, blindly increasing effort does not always translate into increased efficiency. When optimizing your productivity, you must find your ideal rhythm and flow. You might want to batch similar tasks to minimize context switching, create clear boundaries around meetings to facilitate focused work, or design your workspace to maximize concentration. Rather than simply cranking up the pressure and hoping for the best, it's about carefully tuning your environment and habits to support your effectiveness. A more refined, strategic approach often yields better results than doing more. 12. The Human Element: Work-Life Harmony Fuels Sustained Effort A racecar is a precision-engineered machine designed for a single purpose. They don't have children, personal commitments, or a need for a mental space dedicated to relationships and well-being. In contrast, you are a whole individual with a life outside of your job. This reality must be acknowledged and honored if true productivity is to be achieved. This approach acknowledges that time, attention, and energy are finite resources that must be allocated across all areas of your life. Work-life harmony is the cornerstone of sustained productivity, not a distraction. Being rested, connected, and satisfied with your personal needs will improve your focus, engagement, and productivity at work. 13. The Strategic Pause: Recognizing That Pit Stops Are Essential During high-stakes racing, pit stops are not considered signs of failure or slowing down; they are valuable moments to refuel, change tires, and adjust the car to remain competitive. Likewise, your breaks throughout the day don't indicate laziness or indifference; they are vital stops for your mind and body. Walking, eating mindfully, or spending time alone isn't slacking; it's an investment in your long-term productivity. Studies consistently show frequent breaks boost focus, decision-making abilities, and creativity. As such, recognize these recovery periods' vital role in your overall performance and make these periods a non-negotiable part of your day. 14. Wise Energy Allocation: Strategic Energy Use Over Constant Acceleration A racecar aims to achieve maximum speed while burning fuel at an extraordinary rate. On the other hand, your approach to productivity should prioritize the wise and strategic allocation of your energy. By aligning your tasks with your natural energy rhythms throughout the day, you will achieve greater results. When you are at your peak energy, tackle deep, cognitively demanding work. Schedule routine or administrative tasks for times when you are less energetic. Also, build 'white space' into your schedule to think, reflect, and be creative unplanned. Ultimately, it's essential to manage your energy thoughtfully and strategically so that it's not an unlimited resource. 15. The Power of Iteration: Progress Over the Illusion of Perfection There is only one goal in building a racecar: to win. Often, anything less than first place can be seen as a setback. As Will Ferrell says in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, 'If you're not first, you're last!' However, when applied to personal productivity, it can be detrimental and lead to paralysis. It is more important to show up to work consistently, engage with the work, and strive to improve. There will be some days that are more productive than others; some tasks will be messy and require iteration. The most crucial element is forward momentum — learning from your mistakes and refining your systems and processes. Often, perfection can stifle progress. Instead, embrace the reality of iterative improvement for sustainable success. Beyond the Roar: Cultivating a Productivity That Endures Speed isn't what makes you productive; it's the journey, the pace, the sustainable habits that allow you to achieve meaningful results over time without sacrificing your health. Stop and think whenever you feel pressure to 'go faster' or push harder. Have you built a system capable of enduring the long haul, or are you simply burning out in a short, unsustainable sprint? Try not to mimic the performance of a race car, which has high-octane, short-burst power. Instead, view it more like mindfully cultivating a garden that results in lasting growth. The secret to productivity is not just getting things done quickly but building a career and life that lasts for years. FAQs What does saying 'productivity is a marathon, not the Indy 500' mean? With this analogy, it's easy to see that true productivity comes from sustained effort and speed, not short bursts. It's about sustained, consistent effort over a long period, just like a marathon runner paces themselves for a long distance. The emphasis is on sustainability, balance, and purposeful action rather than going faster and doing more. Why is focusing solely on speed an unsustainable approach to productivity? If productivity is treated as a sprint, burnout will result. In the same way that a racecar can only maintain its top speed for a short period before needing maintenance, constantly working at maximum capacity depletes your mental and physical resources. Eventually, this can result in exhaustion, decreased productivity, and a decrease in the quality of work. How can I practically shift my mindset from viewing productivity as a race to seeing it as a marathon? You need to shift your perspective and put in conscious effort to make this shift. The following are some practical steps to take; Focus on sustainable habits. Instead of focusing on quick, intense bursts of work, build consistent, manageable daily and weekly routines. Instead of focusing on quick, intense bursts of work, build consistent, manageable daily and weekly routines. Prioritize long-term goals. Instead of focusing on immediate deadlines, evaluate tasks based on the contributions they make to your long-term goals. Instead of focusing on immediate deadlines, evaluate tasks based on the contributions they make to your long-term goals. Embrace rest and recovery. Breaks, sleep, and downtime are not luxuries but essential components of sustained productivity. As such, be proactive in scheduling them. Breaks, sleep, and downtime are not luxuries but essential components of sustained productivity. As such, be proactive in scheduling them. Value quality over speed. Instead of rushing through several less important tasks, put conscious effort into doing important tasks well. Instead of rushing through several less important tasks, put conscious effort into doing important tasks well. Track progress, not just output. Keep track of your progress towards your long-term goals and celebrate small victories along the way. By doing so, we reinforce the marathon mindset. The article mentions 'pit stops.' What does that mean in the context of productivity? A 'pit stop' is an intentional break, a period of rest, and a period of recovery that plays a significant role in maintaining long-term productivity. The same way a racecar must stop for fuel and tire changes, you need to take breaks throughout your day and take time off during the week to avoid burnout. Among these 'pit stops' are; In between work sessions, take a short break. Enjoy mindful lunches away from the office. Time dedicated to hobbies and relaxation. Every night, get enough sleep. Taking longer vacations and resting more frequently. Is there ever a time when a 'racecar' approach to productivity might be necessary or beneficial? It might be necessary to exert a more intense, focused effort when dealing with short-term, high-stakes situations with clear deadlines. However, this should be the exception rather than the rule to avoid burnout. In these situations, planning strategically and managing energy to remain effective over time is still essential. What is the most significant risk of consistently adopting a 'racecar' approach to productivity? One of the most significant risks is burnout, which can negatively impact productivity, physical and mental health, and relationships. Short-term gains don't add up to long-term well-being, so they're unsustainable. Image Credit: Chris Peeters; Pexels The post Beyond the Checkered Flag: Why Real Productivity is a Marathon, Not the Indy 500 appeared first on Calendar.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Karoline Leavitt's VERY MAGA office décor... and how she 'balances' being a mom in the White House
A revealing photo gave a glimpse into Karoline Leavitt 's White House office and showed how the press secretary balances the demands of both her job and motherhood. Donald Trump 's aide Margo Martin captured Leavitt's literal balancing act in her office on Thursday and shared it on X. 'Walked in to @PressSec typing with one hand, and feeding her son with the other. Super Mom!' Martin said. The press secretary, 27, wore a pink dress as she worked from her desk and fed her nine-month-old son Niko a bottle. Niko's pacifier and toy were placed on the desk among Leavitt's neatly organized papers. The working mom appeared to be drinking an iced green beverage from Tatte, likely a matcha of sorts. A sparkling matcha lemonade from Tatte costs $5.50, while an iced matcha latte costs $4.50 for a 12oz or $5.00 for a 16oz. Leavitt had several photos throughout her office, including a cutout of her in a black dress posing with Trump in a blue suit and red tie from the campaign trail placed on the heater. Leavitt posted the same photo to Instagram on January 1, 2024, with the caption, '2024. LETS GO! us.' On her corkboard, Leavitt pinned two pictures of her son: one of her holding the infant up on the beach and another of the baby sitting on a plane seat with a pillow bearing the presidential seal. She also has a signed group photograph of seventh-grade students from the George Walton Academy. Middle schoolers from the Georgia private school - where tuition costs $16,065 a year - visited Washington, DC, in March. During their field trip, the group visited the White House, where they met Leavitt and posed for the photo. Additionally, she has a meme of a man in a white shirt with his hand up to a brain saying, 'No thanks. I won't be needing that. I believe everything the legacy media shows.' On Monday, Leavitt shared a rare glimpse into her family life with a series of sweet snaps from a weekend trip to Palm Beach, Florida, with husband Nicholas Riccio, 59, and their young son. The family spent the weekend at Trump's Mar-A-Lago, and Leavitt captured adorable photos of the occasion. One picture showed the political aide smiling on a green couch while she held her young son, who was dressed in a cute checkered onesie, on her lap. In the second snap, Riccio - who is 32 years Leavitt's senior - also stepped into the frame as the trio posed in front of a pool at sunset. Leavitt captured another heartwarming photo of her spouse dressed more informally while cradling Niko and kissing his cheek. And the final picture in her adorable carousel simply alluded to the family relaxing on sun loungers while draped under towels.
