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You wake up and check your calendar and your task list that seems to have doubled in size in your sleep. When are you going to get it done? Where are you going to find the energy? This is impossible! AHHHHH!
Sound familiar?
Congratulations, you are a part of an exclusive group of everyone who hasn’t learned the power of “No.”
Let’s take a look at your current list.
1) Grab three colored highlighters.
2) Next to each item:
a. Highlight the urgent things that must be done today or the world will end in one color.
b. In the second color, circle the items that can be done today, but most likely can wait for another day this week.
c. In the third color, underline the items that can either be delegated or done next week.
3) Now let’s focus on the highlighted items. Next to each item, note how much time you realistically think it will take to get it done.
4) If you don’t know the time required, you need more clarity around what it will take to the accomplish the task. Is it a series of phone calls, additional research, waiting for a response? Whatever it is, make a note of what you need apply effort to the items you can actually do.
5) Focus on the top line items that can be knocked out easiest.
If you’re still feeling bogged down, it may be your language. I’ve mentioned before the “Range of Engagement.”
Can’t/Won’t - - Have to - - Need to – Choose to/Want to
Look at the words you’re using to talk about your day. If you aren’t in the “Choose to/Want to” your energy and motivation is leaking out with every thought you have around the task. If you want to feel empowered to do something, think about how it contributes to something you want to do. This item is the gatekeeper to your next choice for yourself.
When we think of things we have to do or can’t do, we are in reactive mode with life being thrusted upon us. That sounds awful and exhausting!
So if you’re too “busy,” what do you need to prioritize and what can you let go or delegate? If you aren’t energized about doing it, how can you approach it differently or ask for help from to help support you.
Being “busy” is a choice, so when you’re ready to make different choices, you’ll be able to get more of the things you want to get done checked off your list.