How’s Your Energy Levels Right Now? 🔋

Do you feel like your energy levels are dipping and you need to take a break? Or do you feel amazing?

Originally sent in my Ready Set Grow newsletter

Hi Reader,

It’s already March, and personally my energy levels have dipped over the last 2 weeks. I’m looking forward to taking my first break of the year in the middle of March.

As designers, we need to be switched on to do our best creative thinking, and it can be a constant struggle to find this state on a daily basis. The constant communication with XFN partners can consume a lot of energy, and I find this takes a lot more effort virtually.

It’s important to remember that we’re all human and it’s natural to have days when you might not feel great; being self-aware is important.

On days when our energy levels are low, it’s important to fill them with activities outside of work that give us simple joy and energy.

Playing games, going for a run, watching a movie, going for a walk, going shopping. These activities are essential, and stopping them can make things harder.

This is a reminder to book some annual leave, so you have a break to look forward to. Without anything booked in our calendar, the situation can feel even more overwhelming.

Take care,
Furquan


Failing Product Design Interviews. What I Did Next?

In this video, I go through how to bounce back from failing design interviews. We take a look at the feedback I got after design interviews and how I used it to improve.

We also walk through concepts from the book “Grit” by psychologist Angela Duckworth. Watch the video and see how to bounce back.

Watch the video


Deep Work By Cal Newport - A Great Read

Deep work is a state of distraction-free concentration that allows you to focus on a single complex task.

A lot of knowledge workers spend the majority of their time doing shallow work, such as replying to emails and other forms of team communication. This work can make you feel “busier” than ever, but the reality is it’s not fulfilling work and won’t lead to great achievement.

You can find more meaning and satisfaction in deep work: being stuck in the “weeds” on complex problems, being stretched and lost in an activity. Schedule time in your calendar every day for deep focus.

Read the book


Becoming A UX Designer In 3 Months?

In this video, we explore possible routes to becoming a UX designer and how achievable it really is.

We look at design boot camps, degree apprenticeships and being self-taught. I also talk through what I personally think is the best option.

Watch the video


That’s all folks!

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