Week 4: Sound the Alarm!
I want to reflect on one of my strengths, as identified by the Clifton Strengths Assessment, which I took during my principal preparation program at Columbia University. This week, my "Achiever" traits both supported and challenged me—helping me stay productive but making it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Allow me to explain. . .
According to the Clifton Strengths Assessment, one of my greatest talents is the "Achiever" theme, which defines my drive. This theme reflects my constant need for achievement and highlights an "internal fire" that pushes me to accomplish more. As soon as I complete one task, the fire momentarily fades, only to reignite and drive me toward the next goal (Rath, 2007).
While this particular trait is central to who I am in both my personal and professional life, it undoubtedly comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly because I often struggle to know when to simply STOP, even for a brief moment. I feel an intense compulsion to keep pushing forward and persevering until I have finished the task at hand, no matter what obstacles may arise along the way. For example, I truly loved coming to work early back then, usually around 7:00 am or 7:30 am, because the entire building was pleasantly quiet and calm. The students hadn’t yet arrived for the day, which created a peaceful atmosphere, and I could close my office door to complete various desk tasks without any interruptions or distractions. Similarly, I found myself staying late for the same reason, as the stillness of the evening offered a perfect environment for concentration. The "Achiever" in me thrived on that uninterrupted time to focus fully and efficiently check off accomplishments on my to-do list. But at what cost?
The Conundrum. . .
In Week 4, I realized that my "Achiever" qualities, while making me highly productive, also sabotaged my work-life balance. For instance, although I scheduled a lunch break, I kept pushing it back until the day ended, leaving me without a meal or a mental break. I realized then and now that I was neglecting my basic human needs. Likewise, when I had family obligations, I found myself staying "just 10 more minutes," which quickly turned into 30.
The truth is, the work will always be there tomorrow. Missing a meal to refuel, skipping a walk to mentally reset, or delaying moments with loved ones is not something that can be postponed. So, what’s a budding leader to do? I realized I needed to embrace the "Achiever" in me, AND also #SoundTheAlarm!
Lesson #4
Set digital alarms — the ultimate way to Sound the Alarm! Setting digital alarms with clear, fun, and specific reminders became a crucial strategy in helping me achieve the balance I had been seeking. By using these reminders, I was able to stay on top of my tasks and maintain high levels of productivity, but more importantly, they acted as a prompt to shift my focus to other, often neglected, priorities. These included caring for my physical and mental well-being, taking time to recharge, and nurturing the relationships that form the core of my personal life.
Without these gentle nudges, you might continue pushing yourself to the point of burnout, sacrificing important aspects of your life in the name of productivity. Setting those alarms gives you permission to pause, refocus, and honor the commitments that truly matter—whether that’s your health, your well-being, or the relationships that need your attention. Sometimes, it takes something as simple as a reminder to step away and take care of yourself and the people you love.
Sound The Alarm —
Time to leave the building!
Here are a few of my other digital reminders:
“Hey Beautiful, it’s time to EAT!”
“Wrap it up; time to head out!”
Now, I’m sure you can think of your own personalized versions—whether it’s a reminder to drink water, take a break, or step outside for fresh air. The key is to be intentional about creating balance in your day. While we can’t control everything that happens during work, we can control how we care for ourselves. For me, that meant leaving by 4:45 to recharge and be fully present for those who needed me the most. How will you remind yourself to prioritize what truly matters?
Until next week: #ReadBeInspired&Share.
More about Clifton Strengths Assessment:
Get the book Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath at your nearest bookstore.
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