By Barbara Kurka

When Rafael Nadal was preparing for his eventual wins in the French Open and at Wimbledon, a columnist noted that while his intensity hadn’t diminished during the previous year of injuries and losses, his playing time had. Nadal had to deal with the paradox of playing a lot of tennis to maintain his performance level yet playing less to stay healthy.

Being a manager these days may seem to present the same paradox: How do you maintain the level of work needed to produce results, yet not burn out. Maybe Rafa’s example can help…

Nadal cut back on extras like playing doubles or playing tournaments in consecutive weeks. He focused on what was important, on honing the critical skills needed to win. By doing so, he became more efficient—and more productive. Nadal spent less time on the court than last season, yet still had a 15-0 clay record and three titles before Roland Garros. He was rested…and dangerous.

How can you become more like Nadal?

• Remember to manage choice, not time. Every morning, are you choosing what’s most important for you to do, or letting the day take you where it may? Are you using and improving your critical skills? Are you choosing down time?

• Schedule your choice in writing.

• Avoid distractions. Do whatever it takes: close your office door, mute message notices, forward your phone for 30 minutes.

• Jettison time-wasters. Will one more meeting make a difference?

• Delegate. What can your staff be doing that can relieve some of your stress yet help them grow?

• Congratulate yourself on your successes, large or small. Athletes do it all the time.

• Take a break! Choose to take a walk, listen to music, take a day off, or even a vacation. Schedule fun!

Focusing on what’s important, avoiding distractions, and taking time for yourself can help you, like Rafa, become rested and dangerous.

Barbara Kurka is Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Katz Media Group, Inc.