Navigating fatigue at work is a multifaceted challenge that requires understanding the nature of your work system, the relationship between effort and results, and recognizing the importance of self-care as an investment in your performance. Here are several strategies based on insights from Ed Batista:

1. Assess the System: Determine if your work system is characterized by increasing or diminishing returns. In systems with diminishing returns, additional effort yields less over time, which is often the case on a daily basis. Recognize when your effectiveness begins to decline and be prepared to "Hit the Brakes" when you're no longer working efficiently. [1]

2. Manage Timeframes: For long-term goals, such as a career, systems are characterized by increasing returns. Dedicate yourself to "intense practice" over a long period to achieve excellence. Be prepared to work inefficiently at first and become more effective as you gain experience. [1]

3. Incorporate Rest: Research suggests that alternating between periods of intense focus and regular breaks can enhance productivity. Identify your inflection point in productivity each day and ensure you get adequate rest to maintain peak performance. [1]

4. Set Boundaries: Establish temporal, physical, and cognitive boundaries to protect your time and energy. This helps in managing attention and ensuring you're not constantly preoccupied with work. Consider mindfulness practices to help with cognitive boundaries. [1]

5. Follow Stress/Rest Cycles: Engage in cycles of stress and rest to maximize performance. Take on challenges followed by recovery and reflection, and repeat this cycle with slightly greater challenges each time. This approach aligns with the concept of flow and helps in achieving continual growth. [1]

6. Practice Self-Care: View self-care activities such as exercise, sleep, meditation, or reflection not as indulgences, but as necessary investments that enable you to fulfill your responsibilities effectively. These activities help you show up in the right state of mind and maintain your mental and emotional faculties. [2]

7. Reflect on Priorities: Regularly reflect on what you're doing and why to ensure your time and attention are directed toward the most valuable ends. Important-but-not-urgent tasks like sleep and reflection can generate significant value over time, so protect them in your short-term calendar. [3]

8. Return on Attention: Recognize that your attention is your most precious resource. Manage your attention effectively to improve productivity, mood, and resilience under stress. Dedicate some of your time to self-care to enhance your resilience. [2]

By applying these strategies, you can better navigate fatigue at work, improve your well-being, and maintain high performance in your role.