Welcome back to So Glad You Asked! This week, I'm Jean Madison, your Gallup Global Strengths Coach and founder of Whole Human Co, diving into the essential topic of productivity and creativity cycles. After navigating a personal "slow period" in May, I'm sharing candid insights on how to accept, lean into, and understand these natural ebbs and flows in your work and life. Discover how building self-trust is key to navigating the highs and lows, celebrating imperfect progress, and recognizing what truly works for you.

Key Talking Points:

• Understanding Productivity & Creativity Cycles: Why recognizing your natural rhythms is crucial for sustainable work.
• My Recent Experience with a "Slow Period": A transparent look at navigating a dip in energy and motivation after a highly productive Q1.
• The Power of Self-Trust: Learning to trust that highs won't last forever, and lows will always pass.
• Challenging Instant Gratification: Moving beyond the "all or nothing" mindset to appreciate gradual progress, like a garden growing.
• Navigating Self-Doubt: Acknowledging the internal voice that questions success when things slow down.
• Embracing Imperfection: Why showing up authentically, even when not at your peak, is vital for growth and impact.
• Key Practices for Trusting Your Cycles:
  • Observe: Journaling and reflecting on past highs and lows to identify patterns without judgment.
  • Focus on What Works: Identifying specific actions and environments that genuinely bring energy and connection, even during low periods.
  • Use Reminders & Mantras: Powerful phrases to reinforce the cyclical nature of energy and remind yourself that challenges are temporary.
• Relevance for Everyone: Whether you're an entrepreneur, a 9-5 professional, or simply navigating life, these insights apply to managing your energy and expectations.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• My previous Goal Update episode (Episode 12 & 13)
• Human Work's Groundwork Program - Learn more here 

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start observing your own energy cycles without judgment. When are you high? When are you low?
• Identify actions that truly support and energize you during different phases of your cycle.
• Develop personal reminders and mantras to reinforce self-trust during both highs and lows.

Connect with Me:

• Have questions about self-trust, productivity, or cycles? Comment on this episode or email me directly (link in show notes) – I'd love to discuss your questions in a future episode!

Jean Madison Offers Complimentary Discovery calls - If you're curious to learn more about 1:1 coaching, Strengths, Team Work, Leadership Development or Hiring and Onboarding Consulting, click here to schedule your conversation and get started on the road to Whole Human Change.

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