As we continue exploring the elements of playing your bigger game, it’s important to remember that it’s not a sprint, but a marathon. To make a lasting impact, a long-term perspective is crucial. In Rick Tamlyn’s Bigger Game framework, sustainability is about maintaining momentum and avoiding burnout.
While elements like compelling purpose and bold action are vital for igniting your game, sustainability ensures you can play for the long haul. Without it, even the most passionate efforts can fizzle out. So, let’s dive into the importance of sustainability and explore strategies for creating a game plan that supports your well-being and keeps you in the game for years to come.
What is Sustainability within Your Bigger Game?
In the Bigger Game framework, sustainability isn’t just about pacing yourself to avoid burnout. It’s a much broader concept that involves both creating systems that outlive you and taking care of yourself so you can play the long game. Sustainability ensures that your efforts create lasting impact, even when you’re not directly involved, and that your passion and energy don’t fizzle out prematurely.
According to Tamlyn, sustainability has two key components. The first is designing systems that outlast you. This means ensuring your efforts aren’t solely dependent on your direct involvement. The idea is that you want to build a legacy and create a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond your own time and energy.
The second element of sustainability is self-care. It’s easy to neglect yourself when you’re passionate about your bigger game, but prioritizing your well-being is essential. Both aspects of sustainability are critical for creating a bigger game that you can truly thrive in for the long haul.
Designing Sustainable Systems
An important part of building a sustainable bigger game is creating systems that can continue to make an impact even when you’re not directly involved. This ensures your efforts have a lasting effect, whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or simply working towards personal goals.
One way to do this is through delegation and empowerment. Instead of trying to do it all yourself, share your knowledge and responsibilities with others. This frees up your own time and energy while also building a sense of ownership and growth within your team or community.
Another key element in designing sustainable systems is documenting your processes and knowledge. Clearly outlining the steps involved in your work, the decisions you make, and the lessons you’ve learned creates a roadmap for others to follow. This allows your work to continue seamlessly even when you’re not physically present, ensuring continuity and preventing the loss of valuable knowledge.
Prioritizing Self-Sustainability
While building sustainable systems is a crucial part of playing a bigger game, it’s equally important to prioritize your personal sustainability. After all, you can’t give what you don’t have. Neglecting your own well-being will ultimately undermine your efforts and lead to burnout.
This self-care isn’t just about indulging in the occasional bubble bath or treating yourself to a latte. Rather, it’s a conscious commitment to nurturing your body, mind, and spirit, ensuring you have the energy needed to pursue your bigger goals over the long term.
Here are a few areas to consider when fostering your personal sustainability:
- Physical Health: Your body is your vehicle for playing your bigger game. Make sure you’re fueling it with nutritious food, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Taking care of your physical health helps you maintain the energy and vitality needed to tackle your biggest challenges.
- Mental Well-Being: Stress management and mindfulness practices are essential for mental clarity and emotional balance. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, like meditation, reading, or creative pursuits. Remember, a calm and focused mind is a powerful asset.
- Financial Stability: Financial stress can weigh heavily on your well-being and distract you from your goals. Take steps to create a financial plan that supports your bigger game. This might involve budgeting, paying off debt, or exploring new income streams.
- Social Support Network: Cultivate meaningful connections with people who lift you up, support your dreams, and challenge you to grow. Building a strong social network can provide you with the encouragement and accountability needed to stay committed to your bigger game.
- Boundaries and Balance: Maintaining a healthy balance between work, personal life, and rest is crucial for preventing burnout. Learn to say “no” to requests or activities that don’t align with your priorities or drain your energy.
By prioritizing these different aspects of self-care, you’re investing in yourself and your ability to play a bigger game that truly makes a lasting impact.
Sustainability as a Continuous Practice
Sustainability isn’t about reaching a finish line and declaring victory. It’s an ongoing practice, a continuous commitment to balance and self-care that evolves alongside your big game. Life is constantly changing, and so are your needs and resources. This means your strategy for maintaining sustainability needs to be dynamic as well.
What works for you today might not work tomorrow. The demands of your job might change, your family dynamics might shift, or you might simply find yourself needing different forms of nourishment. The key is to stay attuned to your body and mind, recognizing when things are feeling out of balance. Are you overworking yourself? Neglecting your relationships? Feeling stressed and overwhelmed?
Checking in with yourself regularly is important so that you can make adjustments before reaching a breaking point. This might mean saying “no” to extra commitments, scheduling time for self-care, or delegating tasks to others. Remember, the goal is to create a sustainable lifestyle that supports your long-term growth and well-being. It’s a continuous journey of self-discovery, adaptation, and intentional choices.
Sustaining Your Bigger Game
Playing a bigger game that lasts requires consistent care and attention, not only to the systems you build but to yourself as well. By designing systems that outlast you and prioritizing your own well-being, you create a foundation for success that extends far beyond the immediate horizon. Remember, it’s not about burning bright and fast, but about fueling your fire for the long haul.
Are you ready to embrace a more sustainable approach to your bigger game? I’d love to help! Contact me today to explore how coaching can empower you to build a life of purpose, passion, and long-lasting impact.