It seems like I hear more and more often from my coaching clients that they do not have enough hours in a day to accomplish what needs to done.
Here is what they say:
They are being pulled into meetings at the last minute and have to cancel agenda items to accommodate. They are stretched by the needs of family and friends. The wonderful new technologies make them so accessible to the needs of others they barely have time to breath. The phone rings during lunch, so they can’t remember with whom they had lunch, never mind what they ate. E-mail systems beep to tell them of a new message breaking their concentration required to complete that important report. Their open door policy allows free access to them by their colleagues and subordinates, but little space in which to accomplish the real work at hand. The result is a frazzled, short tempered, scattered, unhappy, minimally productive, minimally appreciated, person that works long hours and is rewarded with little sleep, no real nourishment of body and spirit and a “to do” list a mile long.
Does any of this sound like you? If it does, read on, because I have news for you. It doesn’t have to!
Too often we stay on the “gerbil wheel” of life feeling incapable of making the choice to take the first step off only to be eventually thrown off by an illness or major crisis.
Remember this? “If the oxygen masks should fall, indicating a change in cabin pressure, put on your own mask first, BEFORE helping your children or others in need.” Translate: If your life should get so full that you are losing control of even the most simple of tasks - take care of yourself first so that you will have the ability and energy required to support the ones you love and accomplish the tasks that are required of you.
So what can you do to soften that first step off the “gerbil wheel” of life?
First: Realize you are in control. Yes you are!! You can and do have control, but you have to choose to exercise it. Remember, not choosing is also a choice.
Second: Assess the situation. Begin to look at all the areas of your life that are out of control or on the verge of being out of control and make a list. Need help? Get a friend or coach to sit down and do it with you. Often I find that this is all that needs to be done to get a person back on track.
Third: Organize, eliminate or delegate. Look at each thing, can it be organized better so it won’t creep up on you at the last minute? Can you eliminate it altogether -how important is it? Can someone else do it or part of it?
Here are some suggestions:
1. Close your door for two hours each day and don’t answer the phone - give 100% to that important project.
2. Forward your calls or put a message on your voicemail that you will be unreachable for an hour and a half and have a relaxed lunch with a business associate or friend. Enjoy yourself, it’s OK, no one will die!
3. Disable e-mail alerts on your computer and schedule 2 to 3 periods of time per day to read and respond to your e-mail. Create an auto-response letting people know that you have received their e-mail and when they can expect a response.
4. Set a boundary at home with your family or at work with staff and colleagues that at certain times you are off limits. They are not to disturb you for any reason, unless it is an emergency. Clearly define what you consider an emergency! Kids (and some coworkers) love responsibility - recruit them to remind you that it is off-limits time and to run interference should anyone try to interrupt.
5. Double dip. Only say yes to volunteer opportunities that you can do with your spouse or children -this will accomplish both “doing your part” and spending good quality time with your family.
6. Another double dip - instead of having lunch with a friend, meet her for a walk or a work out at the gym. It will feel great to cross two things off your list!
7. Always plan your day ahead of time. Set the intention for what you plan to accomplish that day and write down your goals.
These are just a few of many ideas that will help you focus on what is real and necessary and will begin the process of taking back your time. Remember to tell people what you are doing, the changes you are implementing may ruffle some feathers at first, but if you explain why, you will most likely enlist the support of those around you.
As you begin to take the time for clarity and focus, you will notice your energy levels begin to rise and your productivity increase. You will notice that you make decisions to create even more time - be sure to allocate some of that time for your well being. Take time for fun and relaxation.
I say there are 6 major areas in life, they are career, relationships, health and fitness, spirituality, leisure and finances -the key to control and happiness is to devote time to creating balance among them all.
Coaching Challenge: Find one area in your life to which you are willing to apply these principals and go for it!
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