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Sustainability and You
You hear the word sustainability bandied about in articles and on the news when talk turns to large business or new technologies. Most of us are familiar with the term when it comes to ecology and our continued existence, but what about when you apply the term to us as individuals?

At the base of personal sustainability is Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Once physiological, safety, love and belonging, and esteem needs are satisfied, the very top of Maslow's hierarchy is self-actualization -- our growth, self-awareness, and understanding of who we are. If we look at it through the Project Management lens, we can see how self-actualization makes a team or organization more sustainable.

• Realistic - These are the people who are self-assured, confident, and have a clear perception of reality.
   

• Autonomous - Team members who are self-starters can get the job done and bounce back when faced with challenges.
   

• Capable of peak performance - Because these folks see the possibilities, they can achieve the highest levels of performance in all pursuits.

Mastering Project Management is one way to sustain peak performance. When team members successfully manage and complete projects, they create the habit of sustainable peak performance when doing the best job becomes the norm not the exception. Here are some ways to become more personally sustainable.

• Choose growth daily. Whenever you can, learn something new or experience something you haven't tried before. Go for it!
   

• Don't censor your true self. Say what you think and feel out loud.
   

• Take responsibility for everything you do and say. Owning what you say and do is a powerful way to clear your mind and make room for progress and innovation.

You hear the word sustainability bandied about...but what about when you apply the term to us as individuals?