Ever have those weeks when you feel overcommitted, overextended and just plain overwhelmed? I’ve noticed this trend whenever I’m about to head off on vacation, trying to manage last minute deliverables, delegate to others on top of organizing yourself and your family for a trip can lead to a stress filled time leading up to embarking for some R&R and can take a while to unwind from. So I’ve come up with a few strategies that I’ve employed that seem to work for me:
1. Get Started
I procrastinate- who doesn’t? But the business proposal, taxes or laundry isn’t going to get done if I don’t dig in and start. The earlier I get the balling rolling the less angst I feel, which I’ve learned procrastination does nothing but give me an ulcer and so I start making lists and setting a plan for the week before, especially if I am going on vacation.
2. Love Me Some Lists
I know it sounds anal retentive, but I make lots of lists. I generally have 4 going at all times. One for work, one for home, the blog and myself. Yes, a list for myself. I tend to forget when I need to book a doctors appt, buy new contacts or paint my nails so I need a checklist for that as well. The most important part each list is to itemize with checkboxes beside each one. This is something I have done for years and find myself more productive when there are checks and balances with action items.
3. Reset for Tomorrow
Each night before I leave the office, or if things are really hectic before I go to bed I write out my list of deliverables for the next day. I find this exercise helps clear my mind if it’s jumbled with looming deadlines or the laundry hamper is piled up and we have company coming in 2 days. I get my issues out on paper so I’m not staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. with visions of to-do items dancing in my head.
4. Budget Your Time
Time Managment- it’s a tricky deal. Quite simply it’s just like budgeting your money- you only have so much of it, so the question you need to answer is “where is it best spent”I always look over my battle plan (see item #3) and try and allocate how much time I will have or require for each item. This is when the non-critical items or the “splurges” fall off the list. This is why I keep a list of personal items as well it’s always easy to put off that eye exam that seems non critical when you are busy at work and busy organizing and managing the home as well. I look at my daily schedule and allocate chunks of time for each task. (For example, this post got 30 minutes- which is why the spelling/grammar sucks so I apologize..) I also use the 80/20 rule (20% of the actions you take will provide you with 80% of the benefits) So essentially, focus on the tasks that will accomplish the most. You might be suprised what you actually have to do if you focus on the critical 20%.
5. Find your Happy Place
Everyone has a different method or a magic workplace where they achieve razor-sharp focus. I learned early on in university that while some may enjoy a quiet library with minimal distractions to optimize their study time, I couldn’t stand to be in a place where I could hear a guy tapping his pen on the table across the room. I found the looming silence both distracting and irritating. To achieve my magic workspace- I need a radio or TV on (for background noise) and turn my phone and email off so I can hunker down and just focus. The key is to find your work haven.
6. Don’t Panic and Choose the Right Time
The biggest key if you are under the gun- don’t panic. If you’re a perfectionist, now’s the time to drop those expectations and apply the 80/20 rule. Also understand when you are most effective and adjust your routine to accomodate for the looming deadline that’s running through your head. I work best early mornings- some of my best/biggest projects have been written at 4am because I know I’m usually dragging or disinterested by 7pm that day.
7. Ask for Help
I know as women, we tend to get the superhero complex, especially when our plate is full. When times are busy it’s key to ask for help. Use the resources around you and know it’s ok to tell people you are struggling and really need a hand. Turn it into a team effort before it becomes a total nuclear meltdown. Also don’t forget to celebrate and thank the folks that have helped along the way once you’ve reached your deadlines and are able to set out and enjoy some time off.
