Concrete Experience: “what I did” section

Somehow I keep coming back to vulnerability (Brown, 2020), however as a way to connect to myself. I get myself into a tizzy with overwork, over and over again. I see signs of stress and know that I need to switch off, but I do not. I knew that week 2 is starting and I need to go slow on the other things that I am engaged with, but I did not and here I am on a Monday night, irritated which is always a sign of stress for me.

Reflective Observations: “what I wonder” section

I wonder why I do this to myself! Is it my lack of empathy (Rampton, 2021)? Empathy to myself and others. I work in a space where I am considered over-smart. I do things faster and better than most. And I get irritated when others are not up to the mark. Am I getting burnt out because of my intolerance?

Abstract Conceptualization: “what I learned”/”so what” section

When I am tired and irritated, I will lose my capacity for emotional intelligence. That is no doubt a given (Rampton, 2021). And others’ incompetence irritates me and makes me more tired. If I judge myself, that would be only taking the irritation to deeper levels. I need to take charge and manage my life better by creating more energy (Rampton, 2021).

Application “now what” section

I have been able to create an abstraction and requires implementation (Kolb, 1984). I will create more tasks for myself where I am engaged in a happy way, in order to create energy for myself. Work is no longer uplifting or energizing. It depletes me. So if I approach work in a depleted manner, then I will be further depleted. I will push myself away from the laptop several times a day. I will take breaks frequently. I will sign off by 8 pm latest and most importantly if I do not finish a task within the time, I will not fret. I need to be mindful that this is a strange time we are living in and to be empathic to others, I need to be empathic to myself first.

About the author

Monica Kochar started her career as a Maths teacher in 1993. She has years of experience as a Maths Curriculum Designer with leading education platforms. This write-up has been reproduced from ' Humane Maths ' with the Author's consent. Any views expressed are personal.