Systems Check
“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” — Peter Drucker
This writing is Certified Human
The Obstacle
Days get started
We’re off and running
Everything moving quickly
Autopilot engaged.
Our interactions with others
Formalities
Emails sent
Text messages replied to
Meetings
We’re merely present for.
Our mood
Attitude
Responses
Emotions
Running on autopilot.
Everything a reaction
And then
Off to the next thing.
It’s hard to know where we stand
The tone we put out
The energy we give
Or even our own emotions
Because we’re flying by wire.
The Gift and Opportunity
We have technology at our disposal
Phone alarms
Watch timers
Email alerts
Calendars.
We can utilize these to remind us
To check in with ourselves
Often.
See where our mood is
Focus
Energy
And attention is.
If it’s not where we want it to be
Recalibrate.
Before conversations.
Before hitting send on the email.
Before meetings.
Before we engage with our loved ones.
Run a systems report
Recalibrate if needed
Make our intentions match our actions and words.
The Practice of Self-Mastery
• Break autopilot
• Run a systems check
• Recalibrate
• Align intentions with actions and words
CHEAT CODE: BREAK → SYSTEMS CHECK → RECALIBRATE → ALIGN → ACT
The Why
Most days I start my mornings with intention.
Before I ever check an email, reply to a text, or engage in conversation, I’ve already checked in with myself.
Spent some time alone.
Stretching.
Waking up.
Deciding what it is I want to work on for the day.
I put on my armor before engaging in anything that might cut me.
When I don’t do this I fall behind in performance, focus, and connecting with others.
When I do, I’m armored up and ready for almost anything or anyone.
This week has been especially busy.
I’ve found myself slipping into autopilot and responding with a more chippy attitude than I intend.
Catching myself after the fact is a bonus, but it would be even better if I never got there in the first place.
Running a periodic system check gets me back in peak operating condition and a more pleasant me is available to everyone
