Developing Healthy Work Habits: Lessons from My Cat

Lessons from My Cat

By Susan D. Rostkoski, Principal Consultant

My cat, Nohea, is 18 years old and has been my faithful companion since he was 7 years old. It took me awhile to catch on to the fact that there are lessons to be learned in observing how my cat behaves.

Here are a few examples:

a. Nohea is a creature of habit and wants his food on what, to him, is an obvious schedule.

Lesson Learned: Regular eating keeps my energy level up, prevents overindulging (and, thus, getting sluggish), and provides the nutrition that I need to do my best work. It’s hard to put together a cohesive report or create an effective presentation if my brain and body aren’t properly nourished.

b. Nohea loves to drink water from the bathtub faucet and is persistent in leading me there at every opportunity.

Lesson Learned: “Persistent,” “determined,” and “resolute” are often the very qualities that differentiate between a stellar performance and an average one. Tracking down that little detail, creating a connection that ties ideas together, double checking your facts—all make for work that benefits your organization and highlights you as the person who makes a difference.

c. Most cats are cautious about new people or situations, but Nohea seems to relish them. The way he sees it, a new person or object provides an opportunity for exploration.

Lesson Learned: The prospect of getting to know a new colleague or learn a new skill or craft is around us nearly every day. Studies have shown that brain stimulation, in an area different from your usual work, encourages creativity, energy, engagement, and improves coordinating functions.

d. Most cat owners know that, given the right circumstances, there is something that your pet loves about lying on the computer keyboard, and Nohea is no exception.

Lesson Learned: There are times when your work will benefit most by NOT continuing it, when a break will provide the space to refresh your thinking and rejuvenate your outlook. The length of time is less important than allowing yourself regular, refreshing times that are meaningful to you. Spend a few minutes talking with a colleague, make fresh coffee, dream about your next vacation, find something about which to laugh. As the humorous take on the old saying goes, “Don’t just do something, sit there!” 

Often, we are taking care of everyone else around us, balancing and juggling and pushing through responsibilities in our home, office, and community. Even if you can make time for only one of these suggestions, your attention to yourself, and the resulting increase in the quality of your work, is vital. Just ask your cat! 

P.S. Nohea (No-hay-ah) is Hawaiian and means “handsome,” which he certainly is!

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