It used to be perceived as a required skill to be able to multi-task. To hustle as much as possible and do as much as possible. Then, we started hearing the stats about the negative impacts to productivity and health. Does this sound like you? Then maybe you are you taking too much on.
I stopped by the grocery store quickly on my way to pick up my son from school. It was only supposed to be the essentials of what was missing. Butter and EGGO Waffles. My sons love EGGO Waffles.
I didn’t take a cart knowing that I could easily carry butter and waffles.
As I was walking down the aisle, I spotted a few more items that peaked my interest, so I grabbed them. Then, I grabbed a few more. Before I knew it, I was having difficulty balancing all the items in my hands. I could have headed to the front of the grocery store and get a cart but I was in a rush and was sure that I could manage.
Soon, eyes were on me probably wondering, “why doesn’t she just go and get a cart?”
When I realized that I had passed my limit of what I could carry, and feeling a little overwhelmed, I headed to the cash. Once I arrived, I realized, I forgot my EGGO Waffles.
Does this often happen to you? Do you sometimes take too much on only to realize that you have no time for your most important priorities?
It can be easy to do, but it can also be avoided.
Here are 5 Tips to Ensure You Don’t Take Too Much On:
Know your Priorities
This is probably one of the most important steps. Knowing your priorities helps keep things in perspective. Make time for your “big rocks” and don’t sacrifice the Important for the non-important.
Keep a Planner
Sometimes putting it all on paper and planning it out puts things in perspective. Once you know your priorities, ensure that you are putting it on your calendar. Schedule your biggest priorities and task planning as if you were scheduling a doctor’s appointment.
Energy Regeneration
One important step in avoiding overwhelm is keeping your energy full. Sometimes you need a mental break and that may mean different things to different people. Take a walk, listen to some music, ride a bike. Whatever regenerates your energy, make some time to do it.
Take Inventory
Take some time to review your calendar and your commitments. Is there anything that is not important that you can remove from your plate? Anything that can be delegated, or simply eliminated?
Sleep
“I’ll sleep when I am dead”, is no longer a popular belief. Sleep is not something you can sacrifice for too long. Keeping healthy sleep habits not only increases your productivity but helps keep your mind sharp and ready to tackle what comes your way.
Our lives can get pretty hectic and it can be easy to get lost in our actions. When we are so focused on what is ahead, we forget to pause, reflect and find ways to energize our minds. These 5-minute motivation posts are meant to give you that recharge. The goal is to give you a 5-minute Vitamin for your mind through quotes, posts and videos. It is also meant to challenge your thinking and inspire you to take action.
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