The fire rig is the single most expensive piece of equipment in any department. It undergoes regular preventative maintenance, is meticulously cared for, and has mandatory daily inspections. Every operational assignment depends on the fire apparatus being equipped with everything needed for calls, and everything being in top working order.
But as critical as the rigs are, the most important piece of equipment isn’t parked in the bay – it’s the firefighters themselves. And just as an engine powers an apparatus, every firefighter is driven by the most complex engine to have ever existed – the human mind.
Fire departments spare no expense to ensure the rigs are operational. Yet how often do we extend the same level of care to the minds of those on board?
Input:
Fueling the Engine mind
Just as a fire apparatus needs to stay fueled, the mind requires high-quality inputs to perform at its best. This means acquiring new skills through experience and learning new information. Training and reviewing tactics act as premium-grade fuel that keeps the mind sharp in high-pressure scenarios. Two inputs are under your control that may be even more important for you to consider: self-talk and habits.
If you’re the type of person who encourages yourself by saying, “I got this,” you may be surprised that there is a simple and more effective approach. Instead of telling yourself, “I got this,” ask yourself two key questions.
Ask yourself if you can do this. If the answer is no, move on to something else. If the answer is yes, ask yourself how you will do it.
Use your answer to create actionable steps by listing specific ways to achieve your goal. This type of self-questioning prompts you to reflect on your goals and the reasons for pursuing them. It also creates a sense of autonomy, making you more likely to follow through on your goals.
This simple change in self-talk encourages you to explore the underlying reasons for pursuing a goal instead of only feeling the pressure to achieve it. Use this reflective, question-based approach to create a greater sense of self-confidence.
Habits Focus on Systems, Not Just Goals
Goals are achieved through consistent daily habits, which over time will create effective systems. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, emphasizes the importance of systems over results. Once you’ve broken your goal down into actionable steps, repeat those habits daily to create a system. The most important part is to stay consistent. Consistency creates success.
Systems are the unconscious outputs that either help you or hold you back from achieving your goals. When we fail, it’s often because our systems and daily habits are out of line with our goals.
Combining the two reflective questions with supportive habits and systems creates a process that both guides and motivates. The quality of your input directly impacts your output. It’s essential to keep our minds fueled with the right inputs to build supportive systems that help us achieve our goals.
Output:
Performance & Efficiency
An engine is measured by its performance and efficiency. The same is true of the mind. For firefighters, output takes the form of quick decision-making, situational awareness, and calm, focused action.
The pressures of the job demand that our mental performance be both sharp and efficient. Just as an engine must deliver power without wasting fuel, the mind must produce results without burning excess mental energy. This may involve staying calm and navigating chaotic scenes, anticipating the needs of your team, and performing at your best in some of the most challenging conditions.
Efficiency isn’t only about speed; it’s about sustainability. A mind that’s overloaded with stress and distractions will not perform as well as one with clarity and focus.
Nature is full of natural cycles. The change from day to night and the changing of the seasons are some of the most noticeable. The body’s natural 24-hour cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, is one with which we are most familiar.
A more unfamiliar cycle, but no less important, is the ultradian rhythm. Ultradian rhythms are biological cycles that are shorter than circadian rhythms and occur multiple times within a 24-hour period. Our bodies have naturally occurring work cycles and prefer to work in 90- to 120-minute ultradian cycles, where energy naturally rises and dips.
Signs of reaching the end of an ultradian rhythm are the signs we typically ignore – restlessness, yawning, hunger, and difficulty concentrating. These are the check engine lights that warn our bodies that we need to recover. Ignoring these signs can lead to burnout and will drain more of your energy throughout the day.
Any of these signs could be a signal you’re at the end of an ultradian rhythm. Take a moment to pause and consider if you are tired, upset or having difficulty concentrating. If so, take a break. This will help you stay attuned to your mind’s needs and energy levels. When it comes to breaks, remember, it’s the quality of the break that matters more than the length.
Efficiency requires minimizing distractions to focus your energy on the task. Psychology and neuroscience have both exposed that multitasking is a myth and can’t be done. Our brains are most efficient and designed to focus on one thing at a time. We may think we’re working on multiple cognitive tasks at once but we are only task switching between the two, not simultaneously working on them both. Focusing on one task at a time enhances efficiency and performance.
But what if you’re on a call? How can you prevent multitasking when a citizen walks up to you while you’re listening to radio traffic on a scene? Unfortunately, your options are limited when that happens. But what you can do is stop multitasking your thoughts by training in mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying focused, non-judgmental attention to the present moment. Instead of allowing your mind to jump between unrelated thoughts, worries or tasks, train yourself to stay focused on the task that is directly in front of you.
Focusing on the breath is the most common way to reel in wandering attention. Use the feelings of your chest rising and falling and the cool air around your nostrils during the inhale to return your mind to the present moment. Notice when your mind wanders and gently guide it back with the breath.
Another benefit of mindfulness is that it helps us become calmer by making distractions easier to recognize. This increases our ability to work effectively and balances our emotional state. A distracted mind is an unhappy mind. Reducing distractions not only boosts productivity but also improves happiness and focus during the day.
Maintenance:
Preventing Breakdowns and Providing Recovery
Even the most reliable engines break down if not regularly maintained. Being aware of your output level helps to identify when maintenance and recovery are needed.
There’s one thing to remember when it comes to maintenance: don’t do more today than you can recover from tomorrow. Allow yourself time for focused, undistracted, and intentional rest.
Engines need cooling systems and minds require rest and recovery. Recognize when you’re running too hot and take steps to cool down. Do whatever is best for you and your needs.
Some of the best ways to take a break to recover are talking to someone about non-work topics, walking, or exercising. The most important thing is to disengage fully. Even a brief reset helps.
Resilience is built by recognizing when it’s time to rest and acting on it before burnout strikes.
Whether it’s the engine that powers our fire rig or the engine of your mind, both depend on three essential components: input, output, and maintenance.
