Conquering micro-setbacks: building daily resilience
In the brave world of product management, we're trained to navigate high-pressure challenges and push past setbacks. While recovering from major setbacks is an epic saga, the micro-setbacks that pepper our daily grind often go unnoticed, yet cumulatively chip away at our productivity and potential. These self-induced sulks, resentments, and self-doubts might seem trivial but can silently sap our performance and creativity. We might dismiss a fleeting pang of self-doubt after a critical user test, ignore the gnawing comparison to a competitor's success, or brush off the frustration bubbling up after a missed deadline. While these may seem like minor emotional blips, they act like undetected leaks in our product innovation pipeline, slowly draining our ability to:
Spark breakthroughs: When negativity takes hold, our brain shifts from open experimentation to risk aversion, stifling the very ideas that lead to groundbreaking products.
Champion bold decisions: Negative self-talk can cast doubt on our convictions, leading us to shy away from bold choices that could define our product's success.
Build collaborative spirit: Lingering resentment or envy can strain relationships with team members, hindering the open communication and trust crucial for building impactful products.
Here's the truth: these micro setbacks stem from our inherent self-centeredness. We build products, help communities, and strive for success because it makes us feel good. This isn't bad, it's human nature. But acknowledging this truth is liberating. It frees us from the clutches of the ego and allows us to channel it towards solving problems, building impactful products, and delivering results.
So, how do we transform this nagging, ego-driven mind into an ally? Here are my daily micro-resiliency habits that have been game-changers:
1. Daily mental uplift with curated reading:
Start your day by escaping your self-centered bubble with a few pages from books that broaden your perspective. Choose anything that speaks to you, but focus on meta-topics that transcend specific product management skills. The Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Michael Singer – these luminaries offer glimpses into a different altitude, leaving you feeling lighter and empowered to tackle your day.
2. Write it Out:
Pen-and-paper journaling is magic. It forces you to be present and untangle your mental chatter. Break your morning journal into four sections:
Gratitude: List things you're thankful for, even the small ones.
Worries: Vent your anxieties onto paper, decluttering your mind.
Intentions: Set priorities for the day, guiding your focus.
Blessing: Acknowledge you can't control everything, and be open to support.
Before bed, reflect on positive moments, including unexpected joys, kind gestures, or personal breakthroughs. If it was a rough day, write down your worries factually, then express gratitude for the lessons learned. Writing disconnects you from your thoughts, reminding you that they're transient and allowing you to focus on what matters. More importantly, what you focus on grows, that’s physics. So, celebrate wins before bed, if you want more of them the next day.
3. Find Your Morpheus:
We all live in a matrix of beliefs, past experiences, and societal expectations. If you believe life is a battlefield, you'll approach everything with aggression. If reaching the C-suite is your sole metric of happiness, your life will revolve around that pursuit. Break free from this matrix with the help of someone who sees the bigger picture and offers a detached perspective. This could be a mentor, a family member, a spiritual leader, or even your partner. Their guidance can help you burst your self-created bubble and find your true path.
4. Meditate:
This mental workout requires no equipment or special place. Simply close your eyes, focus on your breath, and observe your thoughts without judgment. Start with a morning meditation after coffee, and leverage short breaks throughout the day to center yourself and reaffirm the "I am not my thoughts" mantra.
By incorporating these micro-resiliency habits into your daily routine, you can combat the self-inflicted negativity that drains your energy and hinders your potential. Remember, the product you're building isn't just for your users, it's for yourself – your best, most productive, and resilient self. Start creating it today.