Chunks of Time Will Help You Cope with Overwhelm
Do you have too much on your plate right now? The more scary the economy gets, the more we have to focus on those things that will put food on the table and move our businesses forward. We don’t have time to be distracted by silly things. Yet, most of us find ourselves getting lost in emails; the ongoing political flotsam and jetsam coming to our inboxes; our daily maintenance chores; and just makin’ through our days.
So, what to do?
- Look at your list of Absolutes.
- Figure out timing: what HAS to be done and by when
- Look at the time you have available to get it done
- Set some deadlines even if you aren’t sure
- Divide your day - ie: it’s Sunday. I know I have about 6 hours today that I can devote to getting my desk cleared. I have 4 vital items that need to be completed. One of them (this blog) should only take 1/2 hour. That leaves me 5.5 hours for the rest. Being fair and logical, I know that translates to less time. So, 1/2 hour for the blog, and 1.5 hours each for the other three. I have an hour cushion for unexpected interruptions.
- Set the timer – Start on project one. Set a timer to go off for the length you chose. The one I have gives me a ten-minute and five-minute warning. When the timer goes off, stop what you are doing. Put everything away from that project, and start on the next — with the timer set again for that chunk of time you allotted.
I’ve been working that way all week. I’ve used this system from time to time since 1980. But I hadn’t been using it as religiously as I should have and the piles were getting deeper and my angst was overpowering me.
This is one of those times where you bonk yourself on the head and say, “I KNOW how to do this! Now DO IT!”
So, go pick up that timer. Set yourself down for some serious focus. And just git’er done!
You’ll feel so much better when that pile on the floor next to your desk, on your desk, behind your chair, and in the overhead bin starts to diminish.
Happy focusing!
Beth
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Beth Terry, CSP, is a Professional Speaker, Author, and Corporate Trainer. She has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people in six countries. Check out her website and bring her into your company. You’ll be glad you did!
© 2008 Beth Terry Seminars, Inc. All US and International Rights Reserved
Hi Beth,
Just wanted to stop by and check out your new blog design. I love the photograph at the top. It’s perfect. I love the colors.
Your post today is relevant for me as I’m getting ready to leave town for a week. I still have a bazillion things to do, and things keep coming in the door. I know when to stop, but there are things I cannot stop because of the economy–and that is take on new work. I don’t want to say no to that right now. No complaining on my end. I’m just thankful I can accomplish a lot more than I may have thought this morning.
I definitely pay attention to my Absolutes.
All my best,
Jackie