Learn to stop at the 80% limit while eating, talking, and working: The concept of stopping at the 80% limit stems from the Japanese philosophy of hara hachi bu, which means eating until you’re 80% full. This concept can be applied to many areas of life, such as talking and working, to improve communication and productivity.
Imagine you’re at a family dinner with delightful dishes. Instead of finishing everything on your plate, you can serve yourself a smaller portion of each dish. Afterward, pay attention to your body’s signals—if you’re no longer hungry but could still eat more if you pushed yourself, that’s your 80% limit. This approach isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about recognizing when you’ve had enough to nourish your body without overdoing it.
When talking, refrain from over-explaining or dominating the conversation. This fosters active listening, balance, and space for others, resulting in more meaningful interactions.
For instance, during a meeting, clearly share your perspective but leave room for others to contribute. Avoid over-explaining or rambling, even if you’re passionate about the topic.
Benefits:
- Better communication and listening.
- More engaging and productive discussions.
- Respects others’ time and opinions.
When working, recognize when you’ve reached diminishing returns and stop pushing further to prevent burnout. This allows you to recharge and maintain productivity.
For example, if you’re writing a report and have made significant progress but are feeling mentally fatigued, take a break instead of forcing yourself to complete the task. This can help you return with fresh ideas and a clearer mind.
Benefits:
- Prevents burnout and mental fatigue.
- Improves your ability to work well over time.
- Boosts your focus and efficiency.
Reference
2023-09-17: N Rules for Life