We take these maintenance tasks seriously because we know that when batteries are fully charged we get full potential out of electrical devices and when machinery has been maintained it lasts longer and works more economically.

Doesn’t it make sense then to do some regularly scheduled maintenance on our brain - a tool far more valuable than rest?

It happens to all of us. We get in ruts, we build routines and we develop habits, and in doing so we often don’t use our brain way we could. It is one of our most valuable and precious resources and it is time to re-energize it.

Here then are eight ways you can re-energize, re-invigorate and do some ongoing maintenance for your brain.

1.Ask Why? Our brains are wired to be curious. As we grow up and “mature” many of us stifle or deny our natural curiosity. Let yourself be curious! Wonder to yourself about why things are happening. Ask someone in know. The best way to exercise our curiosity is by asking “Why?” Make it a new habit to ask “why?” at least 10 times a day. Your brain will be happier and you will be amazed at how many opportunities and solutions will show up in your life and work.

2.Laugh. Scientists tell us that laughter is good for our health; that it releases endorphins and other positively powerful chemicals into our system. We don’t really need scientists to tell us that it feels good to laugh. Laughing helps us reduce stress and break old patterns too. So laughter can be like a “quick-charge” for our brain’s batteries. Laugh more, and laugh harder.

3.Remember. Get out an old photo album or high school yearbook. Your brain is a memory machine, so give it a chance to work! Spend time with your memories. Let your mind reflect on them and your mind will repay you in positive emotions and new connections from memories to help you with your current tasks and challenges.

While there will always be some jobs and tasks which are process focused, most work now is a project or has a project component to it. Any task that has a distinct beginning and ending, or follows a specific life cycle is a project. Examples include: planning a company meeting, writing a new brochure, implementing new software system, etc.

If nature of our work has changed, it is important to think about some of skills that will help us succeed in this different world. Here are nine ways you can contribute more effectively to make projects you work on more successful, regardless of your specific role.

1.Understand end goal. Since a project has a defined ending, it is important that each contributor to effort knows desired end result. Stephen Covey teaches to “begin with end in mind.” This is clearly important to project team members. By understanding desired result, you can make better individual decisions and reduce confusion and re-work.

2.Identify clear roles. Each person is an important piece in overall project puzzle. Know your role and roles of others. If you are a project leader, take time to clarify these roles for everyone. If you aren’t a leader, ask until you really understand how you can best contribute.

3.Collaborate. Project work is often fluid and free flowing. Once you understand your role and roles of others you are in a position to collaborate with them more successfully. This collaboration isn’t just a nice thing for you to do. It is imperative to ultimate success of project. Look for ways and be willing to collaborate.