There is a low battery warning feature on my cell phone. I often ignore it when I’m focused on something. I don’t have time for a low battery, I’ll take care of that later. “How much more can I get out of it before it completely shuts off,” I wonder – a few more texts, a few short phone calls etc.

I often operate the same way with my laptop computer. “I don’t have time to find the cord and plug it in. I’ll just get one more thing done and then go plug it in,” I think.

Sometimes I do the same thing with my car’s fuel light. It’s on, I see that it’s on, but how much longer will it go? “I’m in a hurry, I’m too busy, I don’t have time to stop right now, I can get to it later,” I think.

Sadly that also seems to be the default setting on how I treat myself sometimes too. I think, “how much productivity can I squeeze out before I crash? I need to get these things done. I’ll rest and recharge later. I need to be doing more.”

It’s crazy, I know. But knowing is a big first step.