The Ultimate E.V.E.N.I.N.G. Routine For Staffers
Every day, before going to bed, it is essential to reflect on the day’s actions and prepare yourself to be better the next day. Analyzing what you did during the day and the outcomes and consequences of it will sharpen your abilities as a staffer. To succeed, do not take failures or wins personally. With time and experience, you will learn that whether positive or negative, these outcomes exist to realize subsequent ones.
In previous posts, we have discussed my M.O.R.N.I.N.G. routine. Now I am about to show you my E.V.E.N.I.N.G. routine, which will help you work on yourself and make you a better staffer. Let’s break this acronym down!
E.V.E.N.I.N.G.
E: Evaluate
If the morning routine starts with you, then it’s only as vital that it ends with you as well. You must trace your day as a staffer and ask yourself, “What could I have done better? Did I lose it with anyone? What gains did I make in my Holarchy of Need? Did my brand suffer?” This time is not for beating yourself up over little things. Just focus on learning from them, and all of your tomorrows will be better.
V: Victories
There’s nothing like a good sleep after a day of victories. Take this time to appreciate what you have done and how far you have come. This will make you go to bed, ready to build on the platform you detailed today to serve tomorrow better.
E: Envision
Envision your tomorrow as a productive continuation of your today. Don’t dwell on the bad things that happened during your day; there will always be a new tomorrow. Always picture your tomorrow as a perfect day. Visualize tomorrow as an opportunity to shine for yourself as well as for your policymaker.
N: News
Keep yourself updated. Take your time to gather as much information to try to get ahead of tomorrow’s news. That would give your policymaker a significant advantage over other politicians. Anticipate possible outcomes by reviewing what you have.
I: Intelligence
Ask yourself today “What useful intelligence was gained today? What did I learn from others? Also, think about your sources and how you are nurturing these relationships. Are you treating your sources with the right amount of attention and care? If you think one of your sources has helped you with an urgent matter, be grateful to them. Take them to dinner or out for drinks. Be sure to pick up the tab!
N: Neutralize
As a staffer, you have to feel confident in your abilities; otherwise, you will fail before you even wake up. This routine will help you to stay prepared to neutralize harmful situations in advance. Analyze what tools or abilities you have to turn your weaknesses into strengths. Having a self-conscious and positive mentality will help you get through your hardest days.
G: Game Plan
Look over your schedule and task list for tomorrow. Make a quick mental note of it and go to bed. Tell yourself, “I am outrageously prepared but cannot take care of it until tomorrow,” or else you will find yourself up all night.
You know that to see results from the habits above, you must be consistent. Otherwise, they won’t become habits. From time to time, it’s best to focus on yourself and not your policymaker. I know this sounds like an impossible thing to do, but it will help you be more assertive and become a better staffer overtime.
Take time to enjoy a good weekend with friends or family who do not care about politics. As a staffer, there will be periods when you will have to speak, think, and even breathe politics. Take some time to disconnect, so you don’t burn out in the wrong way. A negative outburst due to being overworked or fatigued can create a quick exit from politics for life.