STicking to our goals when we're tired

When I'm tired, I'm less likely to be mindful. I was in a meeting and I wasn't fully aware of how I was soaking up other people's anxiety. Next time, I'd like to remind myself that I might be tired and it might be harder for me to be aware of others who might affect me.

Some reminders about stress and what might get in the way of sticking to our new goals:

Identify situations that might drain your energy levels. Anticipate that it might be harder to stay with your goals when you're tired. List difficult situations and how you will cope with them ahead of time. It takes more energy to cope with stress. When we're tired, it's harder for us to maintain self-control.

Think about how schedule changes or unpredictable events might shift your behavior. 

Studies show that those who did not attempt to change their affective state were better able to perform tasks requiring pain and physical stamina.

WHAT SITUATIONS HELP YOU MAINTAIN SELF-CONTROL?!


Muraven, M. & Baumeister, R.F. (2000). Self-regulation and depletion of limited resources: Does self-control resemble a muscle? Psychological Bulletin, 126(2), 247-259.