Is It Time To Strategically Coast At Work?

By: Emily Lamia

It seems like today were constantly flooded with articles, podcasts, books, and more with information and suggestions on how tolean inmore at work, or get that next promotion or raise.

Even when were not actively seeking new responsibilities, were still getting messages about how to achieve more by doing less, or the best way to optimize our schedules.If career growth is important to you, it can seem like there might be something wrong with you if youre not constantly thinking about moving up or setting new goals.

[Related:Why It Might be Time to "Lean Out"]

Is it realistic (oreven healthy?) to constantly be driving toward the next developmental goal or promotion at work?Its time we make room for another acceptable approach thats sometimes needed at work: strategic coasting.

Strategic coasting is when you deliberately and thoughtfully take the energy you might usually put into going above and beyond at work, and redirect it toward something else.Its when you do your work (and do it well), while being strategic about where your extra energy and time goes.

Strategically coasting at work might make sense if youve got a lot of personal things going on at the moment. Maybe youve just become anew parentand those responsibilities are more pressing. Maybe youre caring for a sick family member or are working through an illness of your own. Or maybe youre training for a big race, and thats where you want to focus your efforts for a few months.

It might make sense if youre working on a career pivot. Making a career change can be a lot of work all those informational conversations and applications can take loads of time and energy!

There are phases and chapters we all go through in our lives and careers. Many people treat their careers like a sprint, and quickly burn out in the most demanding fields. We need to treat our careers like the marathons that they are. And sometimes it may make sense sense to stop for a water break, or walk for a few miles.

[Related:Five Ways to Manage Burnout in a Digital Career]

Strategic coasting makes sense for you if you find its time to take your foot off theworkgas pedalfor any variety of reasons.So, how do you strategically coast at work?

First of all, it doesnt mean youre clocking in late and leaving early. And it doesnt mean youre not completing your work, or being a great team player.

But it might mean youre not taking initiative on a new project. Or that youre actually taking your hour-long lunch break if you get one. You might leave the office or sign off for the day on the earlier side, assuming your most important work is done, so you can go focus on other things youre prioritizing.

But strategic coasting isnt something you want to do indefinitely. Theoretically, theres a specific time period youre planning on coasting.

But lets all give ourselves permission to strategically coast at work when we need to. In the long run, it may actually help us achieve new levels of success personally and professionally.

[Related:Why You Should Work As Though Your Kids Are Watching]

Emily Lamiahas been helping people grow and develop in their careers for over a decade. In 2015, she founded Pivot Journeys to create experiences to help individuals navigate their next career move and find meaningful work.

See the original post:
Is It Time To Strategically Coast At Work? - Forbes