The Sharp Solution: A Brain-Based Approach for Optimal Performance

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Understand Your Operating System

Despite the fact that your personal energy is your most valuable resource, most of us fail to manage it efficiently. As a result we often find ourselves running on empty. More often than not, this energy shortage causes us to function in survival mode, thereby limiting our productivity and engagement while taking a toll on our health and happiness. The human operating system depends on our ability to allocate resources to give us the energy we need to meet demands. Fortunately, we are designed in such a way that we can quickly make adjustments to reduce the demands on our energy that threaten our survival. We exist today because our ancestors were able do this effectively in times of an energy shortage, such as a famine, or a spike in demand, such as a predator attack. However, the antiquated system that once served us so well in times of trouble is now actually the source of much of our trouble. It can lead to chronic levels of toxic stress in our system, thereby undermining our health, happiness, and performance. The good news is we can use a few techniques to re-wire our operating system and design a more effective solution to deal with the demands on our energy, which will allow us to once again thrive, even in the midst of the most challenging circumstances.

There are two primary leaders that oversee the operations of your human system: your heart and your brain. Imagine that your heart functions as the CEO of your system; it's responsible ...