Q&AI: Self-Care Practices
Adapted from https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/heres-how-you-can-prevent-burnout-self-care-3eqze
More about our Q&AI series: https://www.productteacher.com/articles/new-series-q-ai
Preventing burnout is paramount for product managers navigating the demanding landscape of product development. By implementing effective self-care practices, we not only safeguard our well-being but also enhance our productivity and creativity.
In this guide, we'll explore actionable strategies tailored specifically for product managers to cultivate a healthy work-life balance and sustain their passion for innovation.
LinkedIn’s question on prioritizing tasks
In product management, the to-do list never seems to end. To prevent overwhelm, prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency. Consider what must be done today and what can wait. This approach not only streamlines your workflow but also provides a clearer focus, reducing the mental clutter that can lead to burnout. Remember, not everything is equally important, so give yourself permission to tackle high-value tasks first and postpone or delegate the rest.
Clement, what are your thoughts here?
Clement’s response on prioritizing tasks
Crazy take, but I’ve found that it’s helpful to remember: most of our decisions are not life-or-death. We’re not doctors or surgeons - we’re product managers.
The problem with traditional “prioritization advice” is that it implicitly assumes that every task is critical for the well-being of the company, and/or customers, and/or the universe.
Let’s be clear: as product managers, most of us are putting too much pressure on ourselves.
Even if you miss the deadline on a given task, the company is going to survive just fine, and your customers are going to live their lives just fine. The world won’t stop turning if you pick the wrong thing to do.
In other words, prioritization tends to create more anxiety, because it’s saying “here are all of the things I’m not going to do… but all of these deferred initiatives are still really, really important.”
Yes, they’re important - but they’re not so important that it’s worth harming your mental well-being or your physical health!
LinkedIn’s question on setting boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential for preventing burnout. Decide on work hours that allow for focused productivity and stick to them. Communicate these boundaries to your team and stakeholders, and be firm about not overstepping them. This might mean turning off work notifications after hours or saying no to meetings that fall outside your designated work time. Protecting your personal time helps recharge your batteries and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Clement, what are your thoughts here?
Clement’s response on setting boundaries
I've personally found that "boundaries" tend not to work well for me, because I'm trying to create an "absence of work" rather than a "presence of something else."
Instead of trying to carve out empty space, I've found that committing my focus and time to non-work has been much more effective!
Have a sports team that you love to root for? Schedule it on the calendar!
Want to help local kids excel in education? Schedule time to tutor them!
Love watching birds? Commit a specific time on your agenda!
LinkedIn’s question on taking breaks
Regular breaks throughout the workday can significantly reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. Whether it's a short walk, a meditation session, or simply stepping away from your desk for a few minutes, these pauses are vital. They allow you to clear your mind, stretch your body, and return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus. Encourage a culture where taking breaks is normalized and respected, as it benefits everyone's productivity and well-being.
Clement, what are your thoughts here?
Clement’s response on taking breaks
Something that I learned early in my career: even when you're taking a physical break, your brain is still mulling over recent problems - it's just doing so in the background, and it's doing so from a different angle.
I think that's awesome! It's essentially a two-for-one deal: I get to stretch my legs and get my blood flowing while my brain re-evaluates its approach to the problem.
More often than not, once I come back from a break, I have a breakthrough.
The next time you're jammed on a problem, you may as well take a break - you'll unlock more progress that way!
LinkedIn’s question on seeking support
Product managers often feel the need to shoulder all responsibilities alone, but seeking support from colleagues or mentors can alleviate stress. Discuss challenges with someone who understands the pressures of the role and can offer guidance or a fresh perspective. A supportive network can help you navigate difficult situations and provide emotional support, reminding you that you're not alone in facing the demands of product management.
Clement, what are your thoughts here?
Clement’s response on learning from launch outcomes
Contrarian take: you are your most constant companion.
Many times, we engage in negative self-talk, which winds up wearing us down.
I've personally found that it helps to put myself into a sort of "time out", and to gently ask myself: "Why are you speaking so negatively to me? Is there anything we can do together to change that?"
When I'm able to coax my inner voice from the stance of "loudest critic" to the stance of "most dependable ally", I find that most problems become significantly easier to navigate.
LinkedIn’s question on self-compassion
Self-compassion is about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Acknowledge that being a product manager is challenging and that it's okay to make mistakes or feel overwhelmed at times. Instead of self-criticism, practice self-compassion by recognizing your efforts and allowing yourself time to learn and grow. This mindset can reduce stress and prevent burnout by promoting a healthier, more forgiving approach to your work.
Clement, what are your thoughts here?
Clement’s response on self-compassion
As product managers, we run "blameless retrospectives" all the time. It's not too much of a stretch to extend this practice to our own day-to-day work as PMs!
When I've made a mistake, I find it helpful to frame it this way:
What's something I did well in this situation?
What's something I could've done better in this situation?
What's one thing I'm going to do differently next time?
By putting action items against my mistakes (rather than putting myself into endless self-blame mode), I find that it's easier to focus and move on from the past.
LinkedIn’s question on maintaining hobbies
Engaging in hobbies or activities outside of work is crucial for maintaining a sense of self and preventing burnout. Whether it's a creative pursuit, physical activity, or simply reading a book, hobbies provide an outlet for stress and a way to disconnect from work-related thoughts. They enrich your life, boost your mood, and enhance your creativity, which can have positive effects on your performance as a product manager.
Clement, what are your thoughts here?
Clement’s response on maintaining hobbies
I don’t love this framing, because it frames hobbies as a way to feed into more effective work.
I’ve found that the root cause of “not having hobbies” is “investing too much of our identities into work.” And, conversely, the people who tend to have hobbies are the ones who’ve decided that their work identity is not their sole identity.
You have many identities! Here’s a non-exhaustive sample of mine: son, brother, spouse, neighbor, tutor, musician, writer, sightseer, foodie, esports fan, hackathon volunteer, gamer.
When I engage in these identities, I will naturally have hobbies. Conversely, when I fish for a “new hobby” without tying it to an identity, that hobby tends not to stick well - especially if that “new hobby” is coming from the perspective of “I need a new hobby so I can work more effectively.”
Take some time to explore your identities, and then invest in them! You’ll feel more fulfilled that way.
Clement’s other thoughts
Here’s a quick assortment of some of my other thoughts on self-care.
Embrace Imperfection: Product management is a field rife with uncertainty and ambiguity. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace imperfection as a natural part of the process. Understand that setbacks and failures are opportunities for growth and learning, not reflections of your worth as a professional.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine to cultivate awareness and presence. Whether through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking, mindfulness can help you manage stress, enhance focus, and foster a greater sense of well-being amidst the chaos of product management.
Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize that you're only human and can't do it all. Set realistic expectations for yourself and others, acknowledging your limitations and prioritizing tasks accordingly. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and delegate tasks when necessary.
Celebrate Wins: Take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Recognizing and appreciating your achievements can boost morale, increase motivation, and provide much-needed validation for your hard work and dedication.
Remember to take good care of yourself! Remember, you can’t effectively help other people unless you’ve helped yourself first.
