why you should do it
If stakeholders investigating a sustainability problem are functioning on autopilot, critical information can be missed, the margin for error increases, and decision making becomes more difficult. As a sustainability professional, you are likely aware that a key characteristic of sustainability problems is urgency. If intervention does not occur, the system will continue to deteriorate and eventually reach its “tipping point.” The urgency of the problem results in sustainability professionals enduring long hours, demanding workloads, and highly political and contentious environments. These professionals aim to reach ambitious targets, shouldering a sense of responsibility that comes with taking care of others. While this work is meaningful, satisfying, and rewarding, it is also often discouraging because many projects are considered too expensive, not worthwhile, or not possible. This results in frustration as sustainability professionals see how solutions can be implemented, but actors in the political and economic sectors may resist change and respond slowly. Meanwhile, irreversible damage is occurring as ecosystems are being destroyed. Over time, sustainability professionals may feel a sense of hopelessness, frustration, and pain, which can trigger worsening autopilot behavior or complete burnout.
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acting profile
What it is, How to do it,
Why you should do it, & Why we know
Why we know
Although a wandering mind is an evolutionary achievement that allows people to learn, plan, and reason, it may come at an emotional cost. In psychology, a wandering mind is considered to be in a state called the default mode network (DMN), another way of saying we are on auto-pilot. DMN occurs when we rest or are not engaged in any specific mental exercise (e.g., driving, cleaning, or walking). In fact, our minds wander approximately 46.9% of the time. Studies show the DMN can spiral into overthinking or excessive rumination that could be linked to the intensification of anxiety, depression, or even schizophrenia. Meditation has proven to be successful in decreasing the amount of time we spend in DMN, making us more present in the moment. The DMN study was consistent with Killingsworth and Gilbert’s findings that a wandering mind was not merely the consequence, but the cause, of unhappiness. Taking care of your mental health is a primary way you can practice preventive self-care. Since burnout is likely to occur when we are at our wit’s end, reinforcing positive mental strategies to counteract life’s daily frustrations is a highly beneficial task.
implemented, but actors in the political and economic sectors may resist change and respond slowly. Meanwhile, irreversible damage is occurring as ecosystems are being destroyed. Over time, sustainability professionals may feel a sense of hopelessness, frustration, and pain, which can trigger worsening autopilot behavior or complete burnout.