in 99 words

Professionals do their best, most productive work when they're energized and motivated. To achieve this, combine quality time away with focused attention while at work.

Go home on time every day. Spend time with family and friends and engage in activities that take your mind off of work. Eat healthy foods, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.

While at work, give it your full attention. Silence your phone and turn off interruptions like email and instant messaging.

Support energized work by providing a compelling vision and creating achievable plans. Shield team members from destructive organizational politics and useless meetings.

as haiku

the cicadas sing--
tired, sore, I'm ready for
a perfect evening

Commentary

How to Turn Smart People into Ordinary People

Inside This Section

• Energized Work
• How to Be Energized
• Supporting Energized Work
• Taking Breaks
• Questions
  • What if I'm not ready to check in my code and it's time to go home?
  • I work in a startup and 40 hours just isn't enough. Can I work longer hours?
  • We have an important deadline and there's no way to make it without putting our heads down and pushing through. Do we set aside energized work for now?
• Results
• Contraindications
• Alternatives
• Further Reading