What’s a woman to do when she has five million priorities
weighing on her? It’s often difficult to know what to tackle first and in what
order. In time, I’ve found that there are a few ways to alleviate the stress
related with this time of year.
And I’d love to share what has helped me in the past.
Ten Things to Help
You Prioritize
Don’t Get All
Dystopian on Your Schedule
I have a tendency to let anxiety creep in if I know there
are dozens of things I need to tackle in a short amount of time or, as often
happens, I need to get all three kids to activities at the exact same time. My
husband likes to tell me not to “run down the path”. It’s his way of reminding
me not to freak myself out about what the future holds and that usually the
things that need to get done…get done.
Put Your Pants on One
Leg at a Time
Don’t overcomplicate things. Sometimes the things you keep
insisting have to get accomplished really don’t.
Pray It Out
I’m always amazed at what a little meditative breathing,
chat with God, and/or time of reflective surrender does for my mental outlook.
Don’t Be a Train Wreck
Be aware of what’s likely to derail you throughout the day.
Is it self-deprecation on steroids? How about the babbling mail carrier? Could
it be social media? Or spending more time planning than actually doing?
Time Travel to Gauge
Regret
I know, I know, I just told you not to get all dystopian,
but what I mean here is to take pause. Evaluate the twenty things on your list
and ask yourself to take one giant step in the future. Now, looking back, which
things on that list will you regret doing? Or not doing?
Be a Magic Johnson
Kind of Point Guard
Had to ask my husband for basketball help on this. Guard
points of interest in your life that matter to you outside of the never-ending
to-do list. Carve out time to exercise. Block out major distractions. Discern
when a maybe-do shows up on the court disguised as a must-do.
Maximize Light Bulb
Hours
There are certain times of the day when your brain is
sharper than others. Know what time of day your light bulbs go off the most.
Accomplish the more involved, mentally involved tasks during these hours.
Blueprint Your Days
I’ll admit it. I still use a planner. Maybe I’m stuck in the
80s. Or maybe I know myself and I’ve discovered there’s something about writing
a task down that locks it in my head better. Make goals. Write them down. Stay
on target.
Call on the Troops
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help when needed.
You’re bound to be more effective in the areas you’re most called to when
you’re willing to involve others. We all bring strengths to the table. Look
around. There’s a big table out there.
Whoops—I Call a
Do-Over
We’re sort of like cats in this area. We get at least nine
do-overs. So what, you were late to carpool. No big deal you forgot to bring
dessert to the second grade meet and greet. Oh well, you didn’t cross off
everything on your list today.
There’s always regret-free tomorrow.
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