My brain is my main tool of work

Before starting my last job as a full-time employee I wrote myself a note in my (paper) planner: my main tool of work is my brain. This remains true today.

The digital tools we spend so much time using at work are meant to help channel information that works as input for our work. They also help in reaching people we need to exchange this info with. Yes, I could more easily do a calculation, write a report, put together a visual for a plan using digital tools. But my main tool of work is my brain. The other tools are just enablers to my core cognitive skills: concentrating, analyzing, categorizing, using language, planning, etc.

My brain is susceptible to distractions. My brain, being part of my physiology, benefits from good sleep, rich food, movement, and healthy social connections, and, of course, from managing those distractions. Paper allows me to anchor myself back to what is important. Therefore the paper planner.

Understanding this equips me to be my most effective. It works better than any digital wellbeing tools, which can be useful, but work best when I understand the mechanics behind what they aim at helping me control.

If I want to be strong, I first need to be vulnerable to accepting to my limitations as a human. As a person starting this self-employed journey, I want to be stronger than ever. I am here for a long ride and I know there is so much for me today.

So today I remind myself: my brain is my main tool of work, so I will nurture it, care for it, and manage it.

Happy Wednesday,
Maria 🌺