Living Intentionally in a Fast-Paced World.

In our relentless pursuit of balance within this whirlwind of a world, the act of staying anchored to our true intentions can often feel like a demanding high-wire act. The ceaseless demands of work, the nurturing of family, and the allure of social engagements can easily conspire to overwhelm us, blurring our vision of what truly nourishes our souls. Yet, having embarked on my own journey of intentional living, I've come to understand that this path need not be an arduous or time-consuming endeavor. Allow me to share a few simple yet profound insights that have illuminated my way, and which I believe can empower you to cultivate a more intentional existence, even amidst the demands of a fulfilling career.

In my own experience, dedicating a mere 20-30 minutes each evening to thoughtfully prepare for the following day has proven to be transformative. This simple yet potent habit has enabled me to navigate school drop-offs with grace, free from the stress of rushing through traffic, and even to arrive at my workplace with a tranquil 10-minute buffer, allowing for a composed and centered start. By embracing the practice of evening planning, you gift yourself the invaluable opportunity to greet the dawn with a sense of calm and collectedness.

It's funny, isn't it, the little rituals that anchor us? I fondly recall those early mornings, a period that once felt like a frantic sprint against the clock. But I discovered pockets of peace within the preparation. Laying out my clothes the night before, a seemingly minor task, became a small act of self-care, a quiet reclaiming of precious moments from the impending rush. And then, the gentle rhythm of preparing breakfast – Preparing a nourishing breakfast became a small joy – perhaps a vibrant smoothie, or a layered yogurt parfait, which, in its careful construction, felt like a miniature work of art in a glass, transformed the start of the day from a jolt into something almost… tender. Even the methodical packing of my child's diaper bag, each item placed with intention, evolved into a comforting ritual, a quiet assurance that we were equipped and ready for whatever adventures, big or small, the day might hold. These small acts, these mindful preparations, weren't just about efficiency; they were about weaving threads of calm into the very fabric of our mornings.

You know, sometimes the most impactful shifts come from the most unassuming actions. Take something as mundane as filling up the car with gas. It might seem obvious, but shifting that task to the evening proved to be a surprisingly effective strategy. Those morning gas station queues, especially when every minute felt precious, could be truly daunting. By making it a point to refuel on my way home, I not only sidestepped that potential stressor but also, in a rather unexpected twist, discovered a little hack for those restless baby nights. When my little one was struggling to drift off, the gentle hum of the car engine became a surprisingly reliable lullaby. A quick evening drive to fill the tank often resulted in a peacefully sleeping baby by the time we returned – a simple, almost comical, yet wonderfully efficient way to handle two very different needs at once.

These seemingly small and straightforward practices cultivated a more serene beginning to the day, and provided a precious buffer of time to navigate any unexpected detours that might arise.

I once held the belief that relentless perseverance, without the respite of breaks, was the ultimate key to maximizing productivity. However, I soon discovered the profound truth that incorporating regular intervals of rest is absolutely vital for nurturing both my mental and physical well-being. The simple act of rising from my desk every three hours to stretch, enjoy a cup of coffee, or engage in a brief conversation with a colleague proved to be a transformative practice.

Upon establishing dedicated lunch periods, free from the intrusion of work-related tasks, I observed a remarkable enhancement in my concentration and overall efficiency. Disconnecting from my phone during these moments of midday pause facilitated a deeper sense of relaxation and genuine rejuvenation. It's essential to acknowledge that we are not machines; our human nature necessitates periods of rest and replenishment.

You know those moments in the workday when you feel that familiar dip in energy? I discovered that sometimes the simplest remedies were the most effective. A quick walk around the property, just a few minutes to breathe fresh air and stretch my legs, consistently provided a welcome respite, a little jolt that seemed to clear the mental fog and re-energize my body. And then there were those tiny, almost frivolous acts of self-care – a swift visit to the restroom to refresh my makeup or quickly restyle my hair. It sounds superficial, perhaps, but that small effort often delivered a surprisingly potent boost to my spirits, a little visual reset that mirrored an internal one. But beyond the solitary moments, I also came to deeply appreciate the often-underestimated power of human connection. Those brief, casual chats with a colleague, a shared laugh over something lighthearted, or simply offering a listening ear during a moment of their own – these seemingly small interactions could be remarkably rejuvenating, a reminder that we're all in this together. It might seem counterintuitive in our productivity-obsessed culture, but those strategic pauses, those moments of stepping away and connecting, ultimately weren't a hindrance to our work; they were, in fact, a quiet catalyst for enhanced focus and overall output.

One particularly beneficial approach I've embraced is the Pomodoro Technique. This method entails working in concentrated 25-minute intervals, punctuated by brief 5-minute pauses. Following four such 'Pomodoros,' a more extended break of 15-20 minutes is recommended. This structured technique facilitates sustained focus, mitigates the risk of burnout, and ultimately contributes to enhanced productivity.

Ah, multitasking! It's often lauded as a superpower, but let me tell you, sometimes it feels more like a circus act gone slightly… sideways. When I returned to the whirlwind of work after maternity leave, becoming a multitasking ninja felt less like a choice and more like a survival tactic. As a brand-new mom navigating the world of pumping schedules and endless work calls, let's just say my days were a masterclass in simultaneous actions. I distinctly remember more than one crucial conference call where, below the professional demeanor on screen (camera diligently OFF, for the sake of all involved!), I was quite literally multitasking in a way that would have made an octopus blush. It might sound crazy, but focusing on the work at hand, the mental engagement, actually had this bizarrely calming effect, almost like a strange form of meditation that, incredibly, seemed to… well, let's just say it kept the milk supply flowing. Talk about a productivity hack no one ever mentions in the business books!

The key lies in discerning tasks that do not necessitate your undivided concentration. Consider activities that can be performed concurrently without jeopardizing the quality of your work output. For instance, engaging with an audiobook or podcast while attending to less demanding duties, such as filing documents, can be a productive use of time. However, it is prudent to refrain from attempting to multitask complex or cognitively taxing tasks, as this can precipitate heightened stress levels and diminished productivity.

You know, it's amazing how much our physical space can mirror our mental one. A clean and organized workspace isn't just about aesthetics; it's a genuine productivity booster. I remember my own desk being so meticulously tidy – almost to the point of noticing a missing pen! A touch of OCD, perhaps, but it created this wonderful sense of focused energy every time I sat down to work. There was no undercurrent of stress from visual clutter, no nagging feeling of disarray. When my desk was clear and ordered, my mind felt the same way, sharp and ready. I didn't waste precious mental energy searching for misplaced items or sifting through piles of paper.

I discovered that transforming my workspace into a place that nurtured my spirit was incredibly powerful. It wasn't just about functionality; it was about injecting little sparks of joy. A gently scented candle flickering in the corner, a cherished family photo smiling back at me, or even a whimsical portrait of my pet – these small touches turned my desk into a little sanctuary, a mini-retreat within the workday. I also found that incorporating my favorite stationery, those pens that felt just right in my hand, and the calming presence of a few leafy plants, helped to create a serene and inspiring atmosphere. I even indulged in a designer chair and a beautiful rug once, a conscious investment in making my office space a true reflection of my personal style. It might sound extravagant, but it significantly impacted my daily well-being.

And then there was the ritual of tidying up before leaving each day. It was more than just organization; it was a mental clearing. A quick toss of unnecessary papers, a mindful filing of important documents, and a simple straightening of my desk. Walking into that clutter-free space each morning felt like a true reset, a fresh canvas ready for the day's challenges. It was amazing how much that simple act contributed to my focus and clarity.

And then there's the art of knowing when to say 'no.' Looking back, I can see how often I fell into the trap of trying to be a 'yes' person. I wanted to be helpful, to be seen as reliable, but it often came at the expense of my own well-being. Saying 'yes' to every request led to constant juggling, mounting stress, and, ironically, a decline in the quality of my work.

Learning to set boundaries, to create a healthy separation between work and personal life, was a hard-won lesson. It involved realizing that 'no' isn't a dirty word. It's okay to decline additional tasks, especially when you're already feeling overwhelmed. It's crucial to have open and honest conversations with your boss about your workload, to ask for support when you need it. A good leader, I've learned, values honesty and effective prioritization.

The same applies to our interactions with colleagues. Being a team player is essential, of course, but not at the cost of our own sanity. It's perfectly acceptable to politely decline requests when you're stretched thin. And it's possible to be supportive without taking on everything ourselves. Offering to help a colleague organize their own space or sharing helpful resources, for example, can be a meaningful contribution without compromising our own productivity. Ultimately, those boundaries are about self-respect; they allow us to focus on what truly matters, to reduce stress, and to work more effectively.

That sense of preparation, that setting the stage for success, extends beyond just our physical workspace. I've found it incredibly beneficial to carry over that 'evening ritual' from my home life to my work life. Before leaving the office, I'd take a few minutes to flag those crucial emails that needed my attention the next day. I'd also create a to-do list, carefully prioritizing tasks based on their urgency and importance.

And here's the thing: it's vital to be realistic about what we can actually accomplish. Overpromising and underdelivering is a recipe for stress and burnout. By this point in our careers, we usually have a pretty good sense of how long tasks take. Planning our day accordingly, prioritizing quality over sheer quantity, is a much kinder and more sustainable approach.

Are you ready to embrace a more intentional way of living?

Because that's what Ebisu & Co. is all about.

Ah, friends, as we navigate the currents of our fast-paced world, the idea of living intentionally might feel like a distant shore, a peaceful haven that's just out of reach. But I want to assure you, from my own experience, that it's not an impossible voyage. It's a journey made up of small, deliberate steps, a collection of mindful choices that gradually steer us towards a more balanced and deeply fulfilling life. Think of it: that serene feeling of starting your day, not in a frantic rush, but with a sense of calm anticipation, all thanks to a few thoughtful moments of preparation the night before. Or the quiet satisfaction of watching your productivity soar, fueled not by relentless pushing, but by focused bursts of work punctuated by restorative breaks. Even the simple act of creating a clear and organized workspace can feel like decluttering your mind itself, allowing your focus to sharpen and your creativity to flow. And perhaps most importantly, learning the gentle art of setting boundaries, of honoring your own limits, becomes an act of profound self-care, protecting you from the draining tide of burnout.

At Ebisu & Co., we deeply believe in the power of this intentional way of living, and we're passionate about offering you the resources and tools to make it a tangible reality in your own life. Our 2025 planner, which is now in print, is crafted with this very intention in mind – to be a gentle companion, guiding you through the rhythms of your unique lifestyle, whatever shape it may take. And we're eagerly anticipating the arrival of its digital sibling version, launching on December 1st, ready to further support you on your journey towards a life lived with purpose and presence.

Stay tuned, dear friends, for these tools designed to help you navigate your days with greater ease and intention.

Until next time!

Sincerely,

Yasbek Ebisu